Romania Blocks Polymarket Over Election-Linked Betting Surge

Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has blocked access to Polymarket after detecting a sharp spike in unlicensed betting activity tied to the country’s recent national and local elections. The blockchain-powered prediction platform reportedly saw trading volumes soar past $600 million during the presidential vote and another $15 million in markets tied to Bucharest’s municipal elections, according to the regulator.

Although Polymarket markets itself as an “event-trading” platform, the ONJN determined that it operates as a counterparty wagering service, facilitating bets on political and social outcomes while taking commissions (activities that require a gambling licence under Romanian law). Officials warned that such unregulated services bypass consumer-protection rules, AML controls and the state’s oversight framework.

The regulator stressed that allowing event-prediction platforms to operate without authorisation would weaken the legal monopoly structure and set a “dangerous precedent” by blurring the line between trading and gambling. Romanian users and promoters were reminded that participation in unlicensed gambling activity is punishable under national law.

EU Regulators Tighten Focus on Prediction Markets

Romania’s enforcement action follows similar restrictions in Belgium, France and Poland, all of which have targeted Polymarket in the past year. French authorities moved first in 2024 following a major wager allegedly placed on the U.S. presidential election, prompting a national geo-block. Belgium and Poland later added the platform to their respective illegal-site blacklists and imposed access and payment restrictions.

European regulators have consistently held that staking value on uncertain outcomes (even when using crypto assets or blockchain-based settlement ) constitutes gambling, requiring full licensing and compliance obligations.

Continued Scrutiny for Polymarket

Polymarket remains unlicensed throughout the EU and EEA while attempting global expansion. In the U.S., the platform previously settled enforcement action with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and agreed to limit American access. After acquiring QCEX, a regulated CFTC-licensed exchange, Polymarket’s leadership has reiterated plans to pursue compliant growth, though it continues to face mounting regulatory pressure in Europe.

With four jurisdictions now issuing bans or restrictions, regulators across the bloc appear aligned: prediction-market platforms will be treated as gambling operators when users speculate on real-world events.