Romania Blacklists Polymarket Over Unlicensed Gambling

Romania blacklisted Polymarket for operating without a gambling license, classifying the platform as counterparty betting.

Romania's National Office for Gambling (ONJN) blacklisted Polymarket for operating without a license. The regulator classified the prediction market as "counterparty betting," which requires authorization under Romanian law. Internet service providers received instructions to block access.​

Election Betting Triggered Action

Over $600 million was bet on the Romanian presidential election through Polymarket. An additional $15 million was wagered on Bucharest local elections. Romania operates a state-controlled gambling framework that restricts online betting platforms.​

Polymarket Faces Multiple Bans

Polymarket is blocked in France, Belgium, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. The platform operates without licenses in most jurisdictions where it accepts users. Romania becomes the latest country to enforce restrictions on prediction markets handling real-money wagers.