Romania Bans Polymarket for Illegal Crypto Betting

• Lyla Velez
• November 2, 2025
• Policy
• 0 Comments

Romania’s National Office for Gambling has banned Polymarket for unlicensed gambling, instructing ISPs to block the platform.

Polymarket’s ban highlights regulatory challenges for blockchain prediction markets in Europe, influencing investor strategies.

The ONJN has banned Polymarket, defining it as unlicensed gambling and ordering ISPs to block access. Involved parties include ONJN, led by Vlad-Cristian Soare, and Polymarket, whose activities are deemed illegal under Romanian law. President Soare emphasized the legal aspects over technological innovation. “This is not about technology, but about the law,” Soare stated, emphasizing that Polymarket’s activities, regardless of using blockchain, fall under Romanian gambling laws if they allow wagers on uncertain events. Romania’s decision could diminish trading activity associated with Polymarket, known for orchestrating over $600 million in election wagers.

This ban complements previous actions by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which fined Polymarket. Investors, such as Intercontinental Exchange, show interest despite regulatory hurdles. Romania’s ruling could set a precedent for other countries.

Financially, the ban may temporarily affect Ethereum’s trading volumes, as the platform relies on Ethereum for trades. Politically, Romania’s move is aligned with a trend among countries scrutinizing blockchain gambling platforms. Historical actions against Polymarket emphasize regulatory uncertainties.

Potential impacts include changes in Ethereum’s market activity, reflecting investor caution. Historical trends suggest that increased regulatory actions may encourage innovative structural changes in prediction markets. Bold insights could include Polymarket’s response strategies or pivot towards regulated markets.