Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Amid Global Regulatory Crackdown on Prediction Markets
Ukraine has moved to block access to Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction platform, as regulators worldwide intensify scrutiny on markets wagering on geopolitical events. The decision, enacted on December 10, 2025, aligns with broader efforts to curb unlicensed gambling and derivatives trading tied to real-world outcomes.
Ukrainian authorities flagged Polymarket's share-based betting model as operating without proper licensing. The platform now faces restrictions in 33 jurisdictions, reflecting mounting legal pressures. U.S. and European regulators are similarly examining whether such markets violate gambling and financial laws.
This action underscores a pivotal shift as governments grapple with prediction platforms' influence on public policy. Unlike traditional crypto exchanges, these markets allow speculation on events ranging from elections to armed conflicts—a feature drawing heightened regulatory ire.
