Ukrainian authorities have restricted access to the
prediction platform Polymarket. The National Commission for the State
Regulation of Communications and Informatization issued the blocking decision
under a resolution, according to Forbes.
While facing restrictions in Ukraine, the platform has
returned to the US after being pushed offshore in 2022 over unregistered
event-based derivatives. It recently launched its first U.S. mobile app,
offering real-money sports markets under Commodity Futures oversight after
receiving CFTC clearance.
The relaunch followed a CFTC no-action letter issued to a
crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse acquired by the platform,
allowing it to offer event contracts within a regulated framework.
Ukraine Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed Gambling
The Ukrainian commission said the platform does not hold a
license recognized for gambling activities. Its domain name has been added to
the publicly available list of prohibited internet resources.
1) 🚨🇺🇦 Ukraine has officially blocked Polymarket, according to the National Commission for Electronic Communications.The platform was blocked due to the lack of a required license, as the regulator classifies its activity as gambling.⏳ pic.twitter.com/ZuiBWBsJ5H
— Alex (@Oleksan23437762) January 12, 2026
Electronic
communication service providers are required to limit access to online services
used for organizing, conducting, or providing unlicensed gambling activities.
Implementation of the blockage has varied. Some users in
Ukraine have been unable to access the platform, while others can still reach
it without restrictions.
Against all odds. Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist. We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything. pic.twitter.com/WOoVMszrqc
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) December 3, 2025
Platform Sees $270M Bets Completed
Despite the restrictions, the platform has processed
significant betting activity. As of December 24, around 240 bets related to
Ukraine have been completed, totaling over $270 million. There are also 120
active bets with amounts exceeding $140 million.
Romania Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed Gambling
The regulatory scrutiny is not limited to Ukraine. In
Romania, the
National Office for Gambling directed local internet providers to block the
platform, stating it operates without a gambling license.
The agency noted that the platform’s peer-to-peer model
meets the country’s legal definition of gambling and lacks safeguards for
responsible betting and anti-money laundering.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
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