Polymarket Search Interest Hits Record High Amid US Scrutiny

Source: CryptoTale Original Title: Polymarket Search Interest Hits Record High Amid US Scrutiny Original Link:

• Polymarket search interest climbed through 2025 before reaching a peak in January 2026.
• Late 2025 marked a turning point as search demand doubled and public awareness expanded.
• Regulatory action in Nevada emerged as search activity and national attention intensified.

Google search data shows that public interest in Polymarket surged to a record high in January 2026, according to data shared by The Block. The chart, sourced from Google Trends and updated on January 6, tracks search volume over a rolling 12-month period. It shows a clear acceleration in attention toward Polymarket as interest built steadily through 2025 and peaked at the start of 2026.

The search volume during January 2025 stood right below 15 on the Google Trends scale, indicating low public awareness at that time. Interest dipped slightly in February, stabilized in March, then rose through the spring months. By April, search volume reached about 25 and climbed close to 30 in May.

A brief decline occurred in July when the interest in searches dropped to the mid-teens. However, the decline turned out to be short-lived, as interest revived in August and September. The search volume crossed the 25 mark and went into the low 30 range before the last quarter of the year commenced.

Fourth-Quarter Surge Signals Shift in Attention

Momentum strengthened sharply in October 2025, marking a decisive turning point in the data. The search volume peak surged, reaching more than 60, which was over double the figures logged before the year. Such a rise was an indicator of the people’s rapid consciousness and participation with the escalating platform.

November and December supported this pattern as the search interest rose to the mid-60s and low-70s. The increase indicated that the public was keeping an eye on the platform, which was not just for a limited period. By January 2026, Polymarket had attained a score of 100 on the Google Trends index, the highest that can be assigned.

An analyst commenting alongside the chart said the data confirms that Google search volume for Polymarket is now at an all-time high. The analyst also referenced a competing prediction market platform, noting that its January search volume stands at 77. That figure remains above its pre-election baseline but reflects a 23% decline from the previous month.

Regulatory Pressure Builds Alongside Rising Interest

The surge in attention comes as Polymarket faces mounting regulatory scrutiny in the United States. The Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a civil enforcement action against Polymarket in the Carson City court. The board seeks a declaration and injunction to halt what it calls unlicensed wagering activity in Nevada.

The regulator said Polymarket operates a derivatives exchange and prediction market that offers event contracts through its mobile app. It argued that offering sports event contracts and certain other event contracts constitutes wagering under Nevada law. As a result, the board said such activity requires proper licensing within the state.

In a released statement, the board said Nevada law treats gaming as vital to the state economy and public welfare. It added that gaming must remain licensed and controlled to protect public health, safety, morals, and good order.

Earlier this month, US Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen raised related concerns in a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission chairman, citing suspicious trading and a lack of insider safeguards.