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Golden GlobesPolymarket Tie-In Draws Viewer Backlash

Critics say on-air odds normalized gambling, with Penske outlets visibly promoting the tie-in.

Overview

  • During the Jan. 11 telecast, announcers Marc Malkin and Kevin Frazier highlighted Polymarket predictions as on-screen graphics displayed live odds and urged viewers to bet.
  • Reaction on X skewed negative, with users calling the integration “cringe,” “a new low,” and an “end-times indicator.”
  • Penske-owned outlets including Variety, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter boosted the promotion with real-time tickers and sponsored posts; the Golden Globes are owned by Penske Media Eldridge.
  • Announced Jan. 9 and touted by Penske executive Craig Perreault, the partnership was billed as a first-of-its-kind engagement feature for an awards show.
  • Polymarket users wagered millions across Globes categories, though the predictions proved fallible in at least one major race.