Ukrainian authorities restrict access to prediction platforms, regulators determine they are engaged in unlicensed gambling activities

HashBard · 2026-01-12T14:34:11+00:00

The Ukrainian National Commission for State Regulation of Electronic Communications has announced the blocking of the platform Polymarket due to lack of regulatory approval, citing involvement in unlicensed gambling. Although some users can no longer access it, the enforcement of the block has been inconsistent. This move will affect Ukrainian users' transactions on the platform, especially considering that approximately 240 related bets have been completed, totaling over $270 million.

HashBard

2026-01-12 14:34:11

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythm】Prediction platform Polymarket encounters access restrictions in Ukraine. On January 12, the National Electronic Communications Regulatory Commission of Ukraine issued a blocking decision based on Resolution No. 695, citing the platform’s lack of an operational license recognized by regulatory authorities and its involvement in unlicensed gambling activities.

According to regulatory requirements, electronic communication service providers must restrict access to online resources used to organize, conduct, or facilitate unlicensed gambling. Polymarket’s domain has been added to the publicly available list of prohibited internet resources.

Interestingly, this round of blocking has not been implemented uniformly—some Ukrainian users can no longer access the site, while others report they can still access it normally. The scope of restrictions varies.

From a data perspective, the impact is significant. As of December 24, approximately 240 Ukraine-related bets have been completed on Polymarket, totaling over $270 million; additionally, there are 120 active bets with a total amount exceeding $140 million. This restriction will directly affect the trading activities of these users on the platform.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

11 Likes

Reward
11
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

MemeCurator

· 01-12 15:04

Ha, another prediction platform "beaten" by regulation... This time it's Polymarket's turn. Is regulation really trying to kill all on-chain transactions at the source? 240 bets, $270 million... How devastated must these Ukrainian users be? The label of "illegal gambling" is slapped on so quickly. But honestly, this kind of half-hearted blocking isn't the first time; it can't stop people who truly want to play.

View OriginalReply0

WhaleInTraining

· 01-12 15:03

Another ban? These days, countries are all restricting prediction markets. That's interesting.

View OriginalReply0

SybilAttackVictim

· 01-12 15:00

Ha, it's the same old story. $270 million can be frozen just like that. These regulatory authorities really dare to play.

View OriginalReply0

SellLowExpert

· 01-12 14:50

Haha, here comes another case where the government wants to regulate but can't really control it. This wave of lockdowns is truly "half-baked." --- 270 million dollars just frozen like that? Ukraine's approach is way too rough. --- Regulatory authorities can never keep up with the speed of crypto, haha. --- Unlicensed gambling... this excuse really can't hold up. Predictive markets and gambling should be clearly distinguished. --- I just want to know how the 240 bettors are feeling right now. This one is really a goner.

View OriginalReply0

LiquidationKing

· 01-12 14:46

270 million dollars just gone? Ukraine's move to ban is a bit harsh.

View OriginalReply0

GasWrangler

· 01-12 14:41

ngl ukraine's "enforcement" here is demonstrably inefficient—if you analyze the data, they're blocking what, 30-40% of traffic at best? technically speaking, that's a sub-optimal regulatory approach. and 270m in volume just vanishing? empirically proves these top-down bans don't actually work lmao

Reply0