Romania Bans Polymarket Over Unlicensed Crypto Betting Operations
Romanian regulators have blocked access to Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction platform, citing unlicensed gambling activities tied to the nation's elections. The National Office for Gambling (ONJN) estimates over $600 million in wagers were placed on the site, prompting the crackdown.
ONJN chief Vlad-Cristian Soare clarified the action targets regulatory compliance, not technology. Polymarket's model—where users stake crypto on real-world outcomes—qualifies as gambling under local law. The platform now faces nationwide ISP blocking due to tax reporting gaps, weak AML controls, and lack of consumer protections.
This follows Polymarket's 2022 fine by U.S. regulators for unregistered derivatives operations. France, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, and Thailand have imposed similar restrictions. The platform maintains it facilitates 'event trading' rather than gambling.
