Polymarket Blocked in Ukraine After Regulator Flags Unlicensed Gambling Activities

The global rise of crypto-powered prediction markets has triggered growing regulatory scrutiny, and Ukraine has become the latest jurisdiction to take decisive action. 

In January 2026, Ukrainian authorities officially restricted access to Polymarket, one of the world’s largest decentralized forecasting platforms, citing unlicensed gambling activities under national law.

The move highlights the unresolved legal status of prediction markets worldwide and underscores the challenges crypto platforms face when operating across borders. 

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what happened, why Polymarket was blocked in Ukraine, and what it means for users and the broader crypto ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian regulators have blocked Polymarket access over licensing concerns
• Authorities classified Polymarket as unlicensed gambling, not a forecasting tool
• The ban reflects wider global uncertainty around crypto prediction market regulation

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Why Polymarket Was Blocked in Ukraine

Ukraine’s National Commission for State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCEC) ordered internet providers to restrict access to Polymarket under Resolution No. 695. 

The decision was based on the platform’s lack of a license for activities regulators classify as gambling.

According to the resolution, any online service that organizes, conducts, or provides access to gambling without proper authorization must be blocked. 

As a result, Polymarket’s domain was added to Ukraine’s official registry of prohibited internet resources.

Although Polymarket positions itself as a prediction and information aggregation platform, Ukrainian regulators concluded that its structure—users staking money on uncertain outcomes—falls within the legal definition of gambling.

Read Also: Will Polymarket Become the Largest Legalized Prediction Market in the US?

Uneven Enforcement and Access Restrictions

Interestingly, the implementation of the Polymarket ban in Ukraine has been inconsistent. While many users report being unable to access the site, others can still reach it without restrictions.

This uneven enforcement suggests that the blocking process is still rolling out at the ISP level, a common issue during early-stage regulatory actions. However, once fully implemented, access to Polymarket is expected to be broadly unavailable within Ukraine.

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What Is Polymarket and Why It Matters

Polymarket is not a traditional bookmaker. Instead, it operates as a peer-to-peer prediction market, where users buy and sell “yes” or “no” outcome shares on real-world events. 

Prices fluctuate based on collective belief, effectively turning market prices into probability indicators. By 2025, Polymarket had reached a reported $9 billion valuation, and its founder, Shane Coplan, became one of the youngest billionaires in the crypto sector. 

The platform gained global attention after accurately forecasting political outcomes, including the 2024 U.S. presidential election well ahead of mainstream polls. This visibility has also made Polymarket a prime target for regulators worldwide.

Ukraine-Related Controversies Intensify Scrutiny

Polymarket’s relationship with Ukraine has been controversial. In 2025, Ukrainian media criticized the platform for hosting prediction markets related to the Russia–Ukraine war, including bets on potential occupation timelines of cities in eastern Ukraine.

As of late December, Polymarket had facilitated around 240 Ukraine-related markets, generating more than $270 million in completed bets, with another $140 million in active wagers. These markets raised ethical and political concerns, likely accelerating regulatory intervention.

Read Also: Is Probable Better Than Polymarket?

Gambling vs Forecasting: The Core Legal Debate

At the heart of the Polymarket regulation issue in Ukraine lies a broader global question: Are prediction markets financial instruments—or unlicensed gambling?

Regulators argue that:

• Users stake funds
• Outcomes are uncertain
• Winners receive payouts

From this perspective, prediction markets resemble gambling.

Polymarket and its supporters counter that:

• Markets aggregate information
• Prices reflect collective intelligence
• They function as forecasting tools rather than games of chance

This legal ambiguity has resulted in fragmented regulation worldwide.

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Polymarket’s Global Regulatory Challenges

Ukraine is not an isolated case. Polymarket has faced similar challenges in:

• France
• Romania
• Several U.S. states

While Polymarket has taken steps toward compliance—such as acquiring a CFTC-licensed derivatives exchange in the U.S.—local regulators still retain authority to impose restrictions based on gambling laws.

The Ukraine ban illustrates how national regulations can override global licensing efforts, especially when crypto platforms operate without country-specific approvals.

Read Also: How to Make Your First Profitable Trade on Polymarket: A Complete Guide

What This Means for Crypto Prediction Markets

The restriction of Polymarket access in Ukraine signals increasing pressure on prediction markets to:

• Obtain localized licenses
• Restrict sensitive event categories
• Redefine their legal positioning

Long term, the industry may move in one of two directions:

1. Full integration into regulated financial frameworks
2. Legal reclassification separating prediction markets from gambling

Until then, access restrictions like Ukraine’s are likely to continue.

Conclusion

The decision to block Polymarket in Ukraine underscores the unresolved regulatory status of crypto prediction markets. 

While platforms like Polymarket offer powerful tools for forecasting and information discovery, regulators continue to view them through the lens of gambling law.

Until clearer global standards emerge, crypto prediction platforms should expect continued regional restrictions, compliance demands, and legal uncertainty—especially when dealing with politically sensitive or high-impact events.

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FAQ

Why was Polymarket blocked in Ukraine?

Ukrainian regulators blocked Polymarket because it lacked a gambling license required under national law.

Is Polymarket officially banned in Ukraine?

Yes. Polymarket’s domain has been added to Ukraine’s registry of prohibited internet resources.

Can Ukrainian users still access Polymarket?

Some users can still access it due to uneven enforcement, but full blocking is expected.

Does Polymarket consider itself a gambling platform?

No. Polymarket positions itself as a prediction and forecasting market, not a bookmaker.

Is this ban unique to Ukraine?

No. Polymarket has faced regulatory challenges in multiple countries over licensing and classification issues.

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