Argentina Blocks Access to Prediction Market Platform Polymarket

A court in Argentina has taken a significant step in regulating crypto-based activities, ordering a nationwide block of Polymarket, a major prediction market platform.

The decision was made by the Buenos Aires Court of First Instance in Criminal, Contravention and Minor Offenses No. 31, which is investigating Polymarket under Argentina’s Criminal Code for allegedly offering gambling services without authorization.

According to local reports, the case was brought by the Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA), which regulates gambling activities in the city. Authorities argued that Polymarket allowed users to place bets without sufficient identity and age verification, raising concerns about minors accessing the platform.

The court order instructs the national communications and media regulator, Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM), to block access to the Polymarket website and its variants across the country. This includes restricting the platform’s mobile applications on Android and iOS throughout Argentina, including for existing users.