Ukraine Blocks Polymarket, Labels Platform for Offering Unlicensed Gambling
Ukraine blocked Polymarket, a prediction market platform, deeming it an unlicensed gambling operation under national law.Summary
Ukraine has blocked access to Polymarket, a prediction market platform, citing its activities as unlicensed gambling. The National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCEC) issued the decision on December 10, 2025, requiring internet service providers to restrict access to the platform. Polymarket allows users to trade shares based on real-world event outcomes, differing from traditional betting sites with fixed odds. The ban follows criticism of Polymarket for facilitating bets on events related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Polymarket is already restricted in 33 other countries. Founded in 2020, the platform is valued at $8 billion and uses the USDC stablecoin on the Polygon blockchain for transactions. Meanwhile, in the US, legislation is being considered to restrict insider trading on prediction markets, and regulators in Tennessee have also taken action against Polymarket and similar platforms.
(Source：Cointelegraph)