Financial and Business News

Ukraine Blocks Polymarket as Platform Returns to US Under CFTC Oversight

Monday, 12/01/2026 | 18:05 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • The platform processed more than $270M in bets tied to Ukraine events.
  • The service has returned to the US after being pushed offshore in 2022.
Polymarket

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.

The relaunch followed a CFTC no-action letter issued to a crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse 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.

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.

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.

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.

The relaunch followed a CFTC no-action letter issued to a crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse 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.

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.

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.

Topics
Polymarket
ukraine
prediction markets
retail
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.

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