Hungary’s Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities has temporarily blocked access to Polymarket, citing suspected breaches of national gambling laws. According to local media outlet Index.hu, the regulator has launched proceedings against the platform’s operator on suspicion of organising prohibited gambling.

The restriction affects users connecting from Hungarian IP addresses and will persist until a final, legally binding decision is reached. Authorities described the measure as precautionary, linked directly to the ongoing investigation. Though the website is unavailable to local users, regulators confirm that it is still accessible through virtual private networks (VPNs). No timeline has been given for a final ruling.

Polymarket is a global blockchain-based prediction market platform allowing users to trade cryptocurrency contracts tied to real-world outcomes. Its markets cover diverse topics including sports, politics, and financial events. The platform has grown rapidly in recent years and reportedly processes billions of dollars in daily trading volume.

Portugal orders Polymarket to cease operations

Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), Portugal’s gambling regulator, has also taken action against Polymarket. The platform has been ordered to exit the market within 48 hours following heavy betting activity related to the January 18 presidential election. Wagers on the election outcome reportedly exceeded €103 million ($120 million), according to broadcaster Rádio Renascença.

Authorities said Polymarket does not hold a licence to offer betting services in Portugal, making its operations illegal under national law. The country’s 2015 online gambling framework permits only sports betting, casino games, and horse racing. Therefore, betting on political events, domestic or international, is explicitly prohibited. The platform is still accessible to users, but regulators indicated that they might soon instruct internet service providers to block access.

Polymarket faces global scrutiny and US lawsuits

The platform has also come under legal pressure in the United States. The Nevada Gaming Control Board filed a civil enforcement lawsuit asking for “a declaration and injunction to stop Polymarket from offering unlicensed wagering in violation of Nevada law.

Polymarket reentered the US market in December 2025 after a nearly four-year absence following a 2022 settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which accused the company of operating unregistered trading markets.

In another ongoing case, US District Judge Aleta Trauger in Nashville issued a temporary restraining order in Tennessee, blocking the state’s Sports Wagering Council and attorney general from enforcing laws against a similar platform, Kalshi.

Regulatory pressure builds across Europe

Founded in 2020, Polymarket has encountered increasing scrutiny worldwide as prediction markets intersect with traditional gambling rules. The platform is now blocked or restricted in over 30 countries, including Singapore, Russia, France. 

Just last week, it was also blocked in Ukraine and PlayCity, the official gambling and lottery regulator, recognised Polymarket’s activities as bookmaking. They stated that users will only be able to bet once the platform obtains a licence.