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Editor’s note: Story updated with Polymarket’s reaction.
Nick Shirley, Riley Gaines And Brian Grossenstein He is one of more than 800 people who allegedly received payments from PolyMarket’s chief marketing officer through a personal PayPal account, according to a political investigation released Friday.
Matthew ModaparThe Polymarket chief marketing officer sent at least $350,000 to content creators between January 2025 and February 2026, according to the report. Total transfers reached $2.5 million from a private account allegedly registered to an email linked to a Modabber co-founded chalet store.
Undisclosed influence operation
About two dozen creators promoted Polymarket on X after receiving payment from Modabber, posting at least 490 times without disclosing the paid partnership, Politico found.
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Approximately one-third of betting odds change as “BREAKING” or “NEW” news updates.
An anonymous insider said Polymarket gave them scripts and dictated the latter: “They literally told us, ‘This guy has to leave now,’ and we were like cattle.”
Shane GinsburgThe 19-year-old, who runs marketing outfit Street Polar, reportedly received more than $77,000 to use a network of more than 50 creatives who conduct unscripted man-on-the-street interviews.
In one clip, Ginsberg mentions that he bet $5,000 on Donald Trump, then directs the interviewer to download Polymarket.
From the Pentagon to Dinesh D’Souza’s wife
Modabber’s money is said to extend into politically significant territory. Recipients included Amjeth YakuNow serving as Deputy Digital Director in the Department of Defence Debbie D’SouzaWife of Pardoned Filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza.
Polymarket separately said this week it was terminating its deal with George Santos, who is under CFTC investigation for betting against competitor Kalshi against his home state’s union attendance.
Also See: Avoid #1 Investment Mistake: How Your ‘Safe’ Holdings Are Costing You Too Much Time
Revival and hypocrisy
The report comes as Polymarket prepares to return to US trading. The company spent $112 million on federal regulatory exchanges last year after the Trump administration dropped two investigations.
Donald Trump Jr Polymarket Investor and paid consultant to Kalshi.
The CFTC and several states are currently engaged in a legal battle over prediction market regulation.
Last August, an X user wrote: “Polymarket’s cultural relevance and brand recognition cannot be faked.” The modder shared the post on his own account with the caption: “Can’t fake it.”
A Polymarket spokesperson responded to Benzinga’s comment, saying that Polymarket’s marketing partnerships and influencer relationships are conducted in accordance with applicable disclosure obligations and platform standards.
Image: Shutterstock
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