Czech Republic Orders ISP Block of Polymarket

Czech Republic.- 15 July 2026 www.zonadeazar.com The Czech Ministry of Finance has added Polymarket to the country’s list of unauthorised gambling websites and ordered internet service providers to block access to the platform within 15 days. Authorities argue that the company is offering gambling services without a valid local licence.

News Details

The decision forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen oversight of the online gambling market and combat unlicensed operators. According to the Ministry, Polymarket presents its products as investment contracts while effectively allowing users to bet on uncertain future events.

The Czech Republic joins France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Romania, all of which have taken regulatory action against the platform for operating without domestic gambling licences.

Authorities maintain that prediction market operators must comply with the same player protection, anti-money laundering and regulatory oversight requirements that apply to licensed gambling businesses.

Industry Context

The decision highlights the growing international debate over the legal classification of prediction markets. While some jurisdictions regulate them as financial products, others regard them as gambling services subject to national betting legislation.

The Czech approach contrasts with Gibraltar’s recently introduced dedicated regulatory framework for prediction markets, while several European countries continue tightening enforcement against unlicensed operators.

Statements

Jan Řehola, Director of the Czech Institute for Gambling Regulation, said:

“Prediction markets are not harmless technological innovations. If something looks like a bet, functions like a bet and allows people to win or lose money depending on an uncertain outcome, we cannot stop treating it as gambling simply because it is called a contract.”

He added:

“This is not about banning innovation. It is about ensuring that the same rules apply to everyone offering betting for money. Player protection, anti-money laundering and effective market supervision must not depend on what an operator chooses to call its product.”

Next Steps or Impact

Internet service providers have 15 days to comply with the blocking order. The decision reinforces the growing European trend requiring prediction market platforms to obtain gambling licences before serving local consumers.

Edited by: @_fonta