Romania Blocks Polymarket Over Unlicensed Gambling Operations
Romania's National Office for Gambling has blacklisted Polymarket, citing unlicensed operations during recent elections. The platform processed over $600 million in cryptocurrency-based bets on political outcomes, triggering regulatory action.
Authorities classify prediction markets as gambling under local law, regardless of currency used. The crackdown highlights missing safeguards—player protections, tax compliance, and AML measures remain key concerns.
This follows similar restrictions in the US and Asia, though Polymarket plans a limited US relaunch by month's end. The MOVE underscores growing global scrutiny of crypto-gambling hybrids.