Polymarket Search Interest Hits Record Numbers on Google

Google search interest for Polymarket reached an index value of 100 this month, and there's still time remaining. It was the highest level recorded for the platform as prediction markets continue to draw substantial attention.

According to data from The Block, the figure surpassed the November 2024 US election peak of 99, when the platform processed approximately $3.7 billion in election-related trading volume. The record was set without a comparable single political or economic event driving attention.

Search data revealed an increasing divergence between brand-specific interest and broader category interest in prediction markets. The number of searches for "prediction markets" had an index value of 40, down 60% from its December peak of 100. This was considerably lower than the historical high.

This is a continuation of the pattern of sustained engagement on the platforms beyond the 2024 election cycle. Contracts tied to politics, economics, and international events continued to attract activity during the post-election period.

Comparable search trends appeared among other prediction market apps, but at lower levels. Kalshi recorded a January search index of 77, for a 23% month-over-month decline.

While interest in prediction markets remained elevated compared to earlier years, the data showed that attention was concentrated around specific platforms rather than expanding at the category level.

Trading volume across prediction markets also reached new highs. The sector exceeded $800 million in trading volume on a single Sunday in January, setting an all-time daily record. The pace set by prediction markets placed them on track to surpass their previous monthly trading volume record.

Insider trading concerns prompt action

As prediction markets become more mainstream, they have also drawn increased scrutiny from lawmakers. New York Rep. Ritchie Torres has introduced a bill titled "Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026," which is focused on regulating trading by those in federal positions that have access to nonpublic information or can gain access to it in their line of duty.

The bill follows reports that an individual earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from a trade tied to the political future of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. A newly created Polymarket account placed a $30,000 wager that Maduro would be out of office by Jan. 31, 2026. After Maduro's capture the following day, the account generated a profit of $436,759.61, although an about face from Polymarket on how that wager paid out changed things on that front.

The legislation attracted 30 cosponsors, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. The proposal sought to prohibit federal elected officials, political appointees, Executive Branch employees, and congressional staff from participating in prediction market trades when conflicts of interest may exist.

At the time, Polymarket did not maintain formal rules specifically prohibiting insider trading. CEO Shayne Coplan previously argued that trading by informed participants could help bring information into public markets.

By contrast, Kalshi maintained rules barring participation by decision-makers or individuals with influence over event outcomes. The company stated that a government official would have been prohibited from placing the Maduro-related trade under its existing policies.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour publicly endorsed the Torres bill, aligning the platform with the proposed restrictions.