Ukraine has officially blocked access to the popular prediction platform Polymarket due to its unauthorized gambling activities. This regulatory action aims to safeguard consumers and ensure compliance with local laws against unlicensed gambling.
Regulatory Action and Legal Basis
The blocking of Polymarket is based on Resolution No. 695, issued by the National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications (НКЕК) on December 10, 2025. This resolution acts on a prior decision from the state agency PlayCity, which had identified unlicensed gambling platforms.
Under Ukrainian law, any site facilitating gambling without a proper license must be restricted. Internet service providers are legally obligated to enforce this block, preventing user access to the site. The resolution also mandates oversight to ensure compliance, including inspections and reporting by authorities.
Polymarket’s domain has been added to Ukraine’s public registry of blocked resources. Authorities have warned that non-compliance by providers could lead to legal repercussions. This action reflects Ukraine’s ongoing crackdown on unauthorized online gambling platforms, with hundreds of sites blocked under similar regulations.
Operations of Polymarket and Reasons for the Block
Polymarket operates as a decentralized prediction market where users wager on real-world events. Participants buy and sell “shares” representing various outcomes, with profits determined by actual results. For instance, users can place bets on whether a city will be occupied by a certain date.
Bets are placed using USDC, a stablecoin, on the Polygon blockchain, providing transparency as transactions and outcomes are publicly recorded. Valued at approximately $8 billion, Polymarket was founded in 2020 by Shayne Coplan and saw significant activity with Ukraine-related markets surpassing $100 million in wagers by the end of 2025.
Ukrainian authorities expressed concerns over betting markets tied to the ongoing conflict, citing legal and reputational risks. Despite its decentralized nature, prediction markets like Polymarket are classified as gambling under Ukrainian law, prompting similar restrictions in other countries such as Romania, France, Belgium, and Thailand.
Regulatory Intentions towards Crypto-Based Platforms
Ukraine’s actions against Polymarket highlight a growing scrutiny of crypto-based platforms. Authorities are determined to enforce licensing requirements and prevent unregulated gambling practices. While Polymarket continues to operate in other jurisdictions, its access in Ukraine is completely restricted.
This decision aligns with a broader global trend of increased regulatory oversight of online betting and cryptocurrency platforms. Ukrainian users are now compelled to seek licensed alternatives to avoid engaging with illegal sites.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
