MV Capital - Czech Republic Adds Polymarket to Gambling Blacklist

The Czech Finance Ministry has placed Polymarket on its list of unauthorized online gambling sites, directing internet service providers to block access within 15 days

Regulatory Action in Czechia

The Czech Finance Ministry published the updated blacklist on July 13, 2026, adding the prediction market platform Polymarket to the roster of unauthorized internet games. Under the country's Gambling Act, internet service providers must restrict access to listed sites within 15 days.

This decision aligns with the ministry's efforts to enforce licensing requirements for any service involving bets on event outcomes. Officials view prediction market contracts as falling under gambling regulations regardless of their presentation as financial instruments.

Key DetailsPolymarket added to blacklist on July 13
ISPs required to implement blocks within 15 days
Action targets access for users in Czech Republic

Statement from Gambling Regulation Institute

"This is not about banning innovation. It is about ensuring that the same rules apply to everyone who offers betting for money."Jan Řehola, Director of the Institute for the Regulation of Gambling

Jan Řehola further explained that prediction markets involve betting on real-world events without the oversight applied to licensed gambling operations. He noted concerns around player protection, money laundering prevention, and market supervision.

"Prediction markets are not harmless technological novelties. They involve betting on real-world events, often without clear accountability to the state, without standard player-protection measures and without the rules that apply to legal gambling."Jan Řehola, Director of the Institute for the Regulation of Gambling

Broader European Context

Czechia joins several other European jurisdictions that have taken steps against Polymarket. Countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Spain, Poland, and Italy have implemented restrictions or blocks citing similar unlicensed gambling concerns.

The European Securities and Markets Authority has also addressed the sector, indicating that certain event contracts may qualify as financial instruments subject to existing rules, including binary options restrictions for retail investors.

In June, nine European gambling regulators coordinated on information sharing regarding prediction platforms, particularly around major sporting events.

Platform Activity and Volumes

Despite regulatory measures in multiple regions, trading activity on prediction markets has reached substantial levels. Combined monthly volumes across major platforms rose significantly in June, driven by interest in events such as the FIFA World Cup.

Users in restricted areas have sometimes used workarounds, though platforms maintain policies against bypassing geographic limits.

Contrasting Approaches in Europe

While many EU countries classify prediction markets under gambling laws, Gibraltar introduced a dedicated regulatory framework for the sector on July 13. This new regime separates such platforms from general gambling rules and provides a licensing path for operators.

This creates a divided picture across Europe, with some jurisdictions pursuing blocks and others developing tailored oversight.

Platform Operations

Polymarket enables trading of contracts linked to outcomes of elections, sports, economic indicators, and other events. Settlements occur based on verifiable results, with positions resolved in stablecoin. The platform has gained attention for its role in gauging sentiment on various topics.

Similar services face scrutiny in other parts of the world, including actions in Brazil and investigations in the United States.