Why did Czechia block Polymarket?

Czechia said Polymarket was offering gambling services without the required local licence. Authorities ordered internet providers to block access for 15 days.

Polymarket is a prediction market platform where users trade contracts linked to real-world events, including politics, sports and financial markets.

How long will the Polymarket block last?

The Czech regulator ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket for 15 days.

Does the Czech order affect users outside the country?

The order applies only to internet providers operating in Czechia. Users in other countries remain subject to their own local regulations.

Why are regulators focusing on prediction markets?

Regulators are reviewing whether prediction markets should be treated as financial products or gambling services under existing national laws.

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Czechia orders Polymarket ISP block

Written by Liezl GambePublished Jul 15, 2026, 6:58 AM

Czechia ordered internet providers to block access to Polymarket for 15 days.
Authorities said the platform offered unlicensed gambling services.
The case adds to growing regulatory pressure on prediction market platforms in Europe.

Polymarket was ordered offline in Czechia after regulators directed internet service providers to block access to the prediction market platform for 15 days over alleged unlicensed gambling.

The order follows increased scrutiny of prediction markets across several countries as regulators examine whether the platforms comply with local gambling laws.

The Czech regulator said Polymarket was operating without the required gambling licence and instructed internet providers to restrict access to the platform.

Polymarket has not publicly responded to the order, and the company is privately held so no share price was available following the announcement.

Polymarket allows users to trade contracts tied to the outcome of real-world events, including elections, sports and economic data.

The Czech action follows similar regulatory challenges facing prediction market operators in other countries as governments assess how existing gambling laws apply to the sector.