- Romania bans Polymarket citing illegal gambling during 2025 elections.
- No Polymarket leadership statements post-ban.
- Polymarket operations previously restricted in multiple countries.
Romania has blacklisted Polymarket, a crypto betting platform, for illegal gambling during the 2025 elections, citing unlicensed activity and ordering ISPs to block access.
This action reflects growing global regulatory scrutiny of crypto predictions markets and highlights potential licensing challenges for platforms operating in similar jurisdictions.
Romania’s National Office for Gambling
Romania’s National Office for Gambling has blacklisted Polymarket, declaring its activities as illegal gambling. This move arises after over $600 million in crypto bets were placed during Romania’s 2025 elections, raising regulatory concerns globally.
Internet Service Providers
In Romania, Internet Service Providers are now instructed to block access to Polymarket. ONJN President, Vlad-Cristian Soare, emphasized the need for compliance with state licensing laws for all gambling, whether using crypto or conventional currency.
“The ban is not about technology, but about the law,” Soare said, emphasizing all bets, whether placed in crypto or fiat currency, require state licensing under Romanian gambling statutes. source
Impact on Users and Investors
The ban impacts users and investors, with $15 million in bets noted in Bucharest alone. Cryptocurrencies like ETH and USDC are deeply involved due to their prevalence in Polymarket operations, potentially affecting their trading activities.
Global Scrutiny and Investment
Globally, the Polymarket ban reflects ongoing scrutiny of crypto prediction markets, particularly concerning anti-money laundering laws. Financially, the $2 billion investment from the Intercontinental Exchange indicates confidence in Polymarket’s potential compliance in regulated markets.
Broader Perceptions of Crypto Markets
Romania’s decision affects broader perceptions of crypto markets, raising legal and regulatory challenges internationally. Cryptocurrencies’ role in gambling now faces higher oversight, potentially influencing future legislation elsewhere.
Stricter Regulations on Crypto Enterprises
The situation unfolds within a global trend where authorities enforce stricter regulations on crypto-based enterprises. Historical fines, such as the U.S. CFTC’s penalty, underscore Polymarket’s challenges while highlighting the complex interplay between emerging markets and traditional regulation.
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