Ukraine Blacklists Polymarket Over Unlicensed Betting

Crypto News Regulation

Polymarket Blacklisted in Ukraine for Hosting Unlicensed Wagers

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

Ukraine blocked access to Polymarket after ruling that its prediction services amount to illegal, unlicensed gambling;
The NCEC issued Resolution No. 695 on Dec 10, 2025, which directs internet providers to restrict unlicensed gambling websites;
Polymarket, already banned in 33 other countries, was criticized for hosting markets tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Polymarket Blacklisted in Ukraine for Hosting Unlicensed Wagers

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Ukraine has decided to block access to Polymarket, a prediction market platform, after ruling that its services amount to unlicensed gambling under national regulations.

The National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCEC) announced this decision on December 10, 2025, through Resolution No. 695.

The order directs internet providers to block any website that offers or supports gambling services without proper authorization.

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Following this directive, polymarket.com was added to the government’s list of restricted websites, and access was cut off for users in Ukraine, according to local news reports released on January 12.

The decision comes after Ukrainian officials raised concerns about Polymarket hosting markets on topics connected to the country’s conflict with Russia. Authorities argued that such activities encouraged gambling on political and military events.

Ukraine joins several other countries that have limited or banned access to the platform. Polymarket is already unavailable in 33 nations, among them France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Iran, Singapore, Iraq, North Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Australia.

Polymarket operates differently from regular betting platforms. Instead of setting fixed odds, it allows people to buy and trade shares linked to possible real-world outcomes.

The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC) issued cease‑and‑desist letters on January 9 to three prediction‑market platforms: Kalshi, Polymarket, and Crypto.com. What do the letters say? Read the full story.