Romania’s National Office for Gambling has blacklisted blockchain-based Polymarket for unlicensed gambling as users wagered over $600 million on local elections in May 2025.
This regulatory action highlights the challenges blockchain platforms face with legal compliance, impacting Polymarket’s operations and potentially affecting market sentiment across Ethereum-based prediction markets.
Romania Bans Polymarket Over $600 Million Unlicensed Bets
Romania Bans Polymarket Over $600 Million Unlicensed Bets
Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has blacklisted Polymarket for unlicensed gambling, affecting users wagering over $600 million. The platform allowed bets on the 2025 presidential elections, violating Romanian laws.
Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction platform, now faces ISP restrictions following ONJN’s decision. Despite the large scale of betting activities by Romanian users, no statements from Polymarket’s leadership have been available.
Regulators Target Blockchain Markets in Europe
Regulators Target Blockchain Markets in Europe
The regulatory decision signifies a firm stance by Romania on unlicensed gambling activities. The restriction may set precedents for how European nations tackle blockchain-based prediction markets, reflecting heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Financially, Polymarket’s operations use Ethereum for transaction fees, making ETH the primary affected asset. While there’s no asset freeze, past fines from regulators suggest stringent oversight could persist. Historical challenges are consistent with ONJN’s position.
Global Crackdown Reflects Persistent Licensing Issues
Global Crackdown Reflects Persistent Licensing Issues
This action mirrors past regulatory measures, such as the CFTC’s $1.4 million fine imposed on Polymarket in 2022 and similar bans in France and Belgium. These illustrate ongoing issues with gambling licenses across jurisdictions.
Experts indicate that such regulatory actions highlight the necessity for platforms like Polymarket to adhere to local regulations rigorously. Common issues include the absence of robust anti-money laundering measures, as noted by the ONJN.
“The decision to include Polymarket on the blacklist is not related to technology, but to the law. Regardless of whether you bet in lei or crypto, if you bet money on a future result, under the conditions of a counterpart bet, we are talking about gambling that must be licensed. ONJN will not allow the transformation of blockchain into a screen for illegal betting.” – Vlad-Cristian Soare, President, ONJN
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