The Czech Ministry of Finance has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket within 15 days, classifying the platform as an unlicensed gambling operator. The restriction follows a similar ban in Italy and places the Czech Republic alongside France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands in limiting prediction market access.
Czech regulators argue that prediction platforms operate as betting services rather than investment instruments. Authorities note that contract terminology and return structures do not change the core mechanic of wagering on uncertain outcomes. The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit recently upheld potential fines against Polymarket for providing unlicensed betting services, reinforcing a consistent regulatory stance across the region.
Regulatory Oversight and Licensing Frameworks
Jan Řehola, director of the Czech Institute for Gambling Regulation, stated that platforms allowing users to win or lose money based on event outcomes must follow established gambling rules. He emphasized that uniform standards for player protection and anti-money laundering compliance apply regardless of how operators label their products.
The ministry’s decision adds Polymarket to the official list of unauthorised internet games.
Gibraltar has published the first dedicated regulatory framework for prediction markets under the Gambling Act 2025. The Ministry for Justice, Trade and Industry created a distinct authorization category managed by an independent supervisory panel. ADI Predictstreet secured a licence for World Cup events under the existing igaming framework, while WagerWire claims to have received an approval in principle.
Minister Nigel Feetham indicated that further approvals are expected in the coming weeks.