Ukrainian authorities have restricted access to the prediction platform Polymarket. The National Commission for the State Regulation of Communications and Informatization issued the blocking decision under a resolution, according to Forbes.

While facing restrictions in Ukraine, the platform has returned to the US after being pushed offshore in 2022 over unregistered event-based derivatives. It recently launched its first U.S. mobile app, offering real-money sports markets under Commodity Futures oversight after receiving CFTC clearance.

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The relaunch followed a CFTC no-action letter issued to a crypto derivatives exchange Exchange An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv An exchange is known as a marketplace that supports the trading of derivatives, commodities, securities, and other financial instruments.Generally, an exchange is accessible through a digital platform or sometimes at a tangible address where investors organize to perform trading. Among the chief responsibilities of an exchange would be to uphold honest and fair-trading practices. These are instrumental in making sure that the distribution of supported security rates on that exchange are effectiv Read this Term and clearinghouse Clearing House A clearing house is defined as an intermediary between two parties, a buyer and seller, which helps facilitate the overall process from trade inception to settlement. Clearing houses streamline the exchange of payments, securities, or derivatives transactions.The clearing house is situated between two clearing firms who also helps reduce the risk of either member firm failing to honor their respective trade settlement obligations.Buyers and sellers enter into legally binding agreements for the e A clearing house is defined as an intermediary between two parties, a buyer and seller, which helps facilitate the overall process from trade inception to settlement. Clearing houses streamline the exchange of payments, securities, or derivatives transactions.The clearing house is situated between two clearing firms who also helps reduce the risk of either member firm failing to honor their respective trade settlement obligations.Buyers and sellers enter into legally binding agreements for the e Read this Term acquired by the platform, allowing it to offer event contracts within a regulated framework.

Ukraine Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed Gambling

The Ukrainian commission said the platform does not hold a license recognized for gambling activities. Its domain name has been added to the publicly available list of prohibited internet resources.

1) 🚨🇺🇦 Ukraine has officially blocked Polymarket, according to the National Commission for Electronic Communications.

The platform was blocked due to the lack of a required license, as the regulator classifies its activity as gambling.⏳ pic.twitter.com/ZuiBWBsJ5H

— Alex (@Oleksan23437762) January 12, 2026

Electronic communication service providers are required to limit access to online services used for organizing, conducting, or providing unlicensed gambling activities.

Implementation of the blockage has varied. Some users in Ukraine have been unable to access the platform, while others can still reach it without restrictions.

Against all odds.

Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist.

We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything. pic.twitter.com/WOoVMszrqc

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) December 3, 2025

Platform Sees $270M Bets Completed

Despite the restrictions, the platform has processed significant betting activity. As of December 24, around 240 bets related to Ukraine have been completed, totaling over $270 million. There are also 120 active bets with amounts exceeding $140 million.

Romania Blocks Platform Over Unlicensed Gambling

The regulatory scrutiny is not limited to Ukraine. In Romania, the National Office for Gambling directed local internet providers to block the platform, stating it operates without a gambling license.

The agency noted that the platform’s peer-to-peer model meets the country’s legal definition of gambling and lacks safeguards for responsible betting and anti-money laundering.