Румынские власти закрывают доступ к Polymarket из-за нелицензионной деятельности Translation: Romanian authorities block access to Polymarket due to unlicensed operations

The National Gambling Office of Romania (ONJN) has added the Polymarket platform to its blacklist, deeming its operations unauthorized.

The regulatory body has instructed internet service providers in the country to restrict access to the site. This decision is linked to a surge in cryptocurrency betting during the elections in the country. According to ONJN, the trading volume on Polymarket surpassed $600 million.

The agency described the platform’s operations as «counter bets,» where users wager against each other. The regulator believes that this model constitutes gambling regardless of the blockchain involvement.

«It is not about the technology, but about the law,» stated the head of the agency, Vlad-Christian Soare.

He maintains that bets placed in cryptocurrencies or fiat currency are still considered gambling and require a license.

ONJN expressed particular concern over the activity on the platform during local elections, noting that the trading volume related to the Bucharest mayoral election exceeded $16 million.

The agency also pointed out the lack of fiscal reporting, player protection mechanisms, and anti-money laundering procedures on Polymarket.

Romania is not the first country to restrict access to Polymarket. In 2022, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) fined the platform for operating without registration.

In 2024, the French regulator announced it would investigate prediction market operations and their compliance with the country’s gambling legislation.

By 2025, platform CEO Shane Koplan confirmed media reports regarding the closure of the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation.

It is worth noting that in July, Polymarket acquired the derivatives exchange QCEX, which is licensed by the CFTC. This deal «represents a significant step» in expanding access for users in the U.S.