Czech Republic orders ISP block on Polymarket

The regulatory crackdown follows a firm stance from the Czech Institute for Gambling Regulation. Director Jan Řehola argued that the platform’s business model functions identically to traditional betting, regardless of the financial terminology employed by the company. According to officials, the absence of player-protection measures and the lack of accountability to the state necessitated the move to protect local users.

This decision aligns with a broader trend of resistance toward prediction markets across Europe and beyond. Similar enforcement actions have been carried out in France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium, while countries like India and Argentina have also blocked access to the site. While Gibraltar has opted to create a unique regulatory framework for such platforms, the Czech government insists that consistent rules regarding money laundering and market supervision must remain universal. Meanwhile, Polymarket continues to face international scrutiny, including an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.