The move shows Europe tightening rules on crypto-based gambling and prediction platforms.
Romania’s gambling regulator has taken a strong stand against the crypto prediction site Polymarket, reports Crypto Rover. The National Office for Gambling (ONJN) placed the platform on its official blocklist, saying that it operates as an unlicensed gambling service. Officials believe Polymarket lets people bet on events without proper authorisation, which makes it illegal under national gambling law.
The ONJN made the move after noticing a huge increase in activity on Polymarket during recent elections. According to Romania Insider, betting volumes on the presidential race went over US $600 million, while another US $15 million was tied to local elections in Bucharest.
Such high figures caught the attention of regulators, who said this level of betting was “well beyond what is acceptable for unlicensed activity.” Polymarket describes itself as an “event trading” or “prediction” platform. Users buy and sell shares linked to real-world events, from politics and sports to global news.
However, Romanian officials say that no matter the name, the platform still allows people to wager money on outcomes, which counts as gambling under the law. Because Polymarket doesn’t have a Romanian licence, it can’t legally offer those services to local users.
Romania has strict rules for betting and gaming. Any platform that accepts money or digital currency for event outcomes must obtain a licence from the ONJN. The law treats bets made in crypto the same as those made in cash.
An ONJN spokesperson explained that technology doesn’t change the definition of gambling: “If users place money on future events with the hope of profit, it is gambling and it must be licensed.” This message makes it clear that the rise of blockchain and crypto platforms will not override established gambling rules.
Internet service providers across Romania must now block access to Polymarket and any linked websites. Users who try to reach the site will receive a warning or redirection notice.
The ONJN expects internet providers to enforce the block quickly to stop more unlicensed betting.
This Polymarket ban adds to a growing list of restrictions in Europe. Regulators in France, Belgium and Poland have already acted against similar prediction-style crypto platforms. European officials see these services as a grey area between gambling and finance and want clearer rules for them.
Romania’s move sends a clear message to both companies and investors. Crypto markets may be new, but they still have to respect national laws. Calling a service “event trading” doesn’t make it exempt from regulation if users are betting on results.
For ordinary users, the ruling is also a reminder to be careful where they put their money. Unlicensed sites often operate without consumer protection, tax reporting or guarantees of fair play. Anyone who continues to use such platforms risks losing access to funds or facing penalties.
For now, Polymarket ban sremains, and its future in Europe looks uncertain. The decision shows that governments are learning fast and tightening control over crypto-based betting and prediction markets.
