Romania Blocks Polymarket Over Unlicensed Crypto Wagering
Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) ordered ISPs to block Polymarket’s website. The regulator deemed the platform an unlicensed crypto wagering service.
ONJN found Polymarket processed over $600 million in bets on real-world events without a Romanian gambling license. It cited gaps in financial reporting, user protection, and anti-money laundering controls. President Vlad-Cristian Soare noted that local gambling laws apply to blockchain-based betting. Polymarket must secure a valid license and implement mandatory safeguards. This move echoes global restrictions by the US CFTC, France, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, and Thailand. Traders should watch regulatory shifts, as similar bans could impact DeFi access and market confidence.
Bearish
Romania’s block of Polymarket for unlicensed crypto wagering marks renewed regulatory pressure on the platform. The restriction bars local users, reducing market participation and liquidity. This decision also signals heightened scrutiny from other regulators, increasing uncertainty for Polymarket operations. In the short term, reduced access and compliance costs will weigh on user growth and token demand. Over the long term, forced licensing may legitimize Polymarket but only after costly adjustments. Traders should therefore anticipate bearish pressure on Polymarket’s market metrics and token pricing.