Romanian Regulator Blacklists Polymarket as 'Gambling That Must Be Licensed'

Romania's National Office for Gambling has listed Polymarket among unauthorized websites due to its unlicensed gambling activities within the country. ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare clarified that the classification is not about technology, but rather legality. He emphasized that any monetary bets, whether in traditional currency or cryptocurrency, that depend on future events classify as gambling subject to licensing. Polymarket, often described as an event trading platform, actually aligns with the definition of counterparty betting. This decision was particularly influenced by growing activity in prediction markets surrounding Romanian elections, with stakes reaching millions. The regulator expressed concern over accepting such betting systems as mere trading, warning it could lead to regulatory evasion. This development mirrors Polymarket's past scrutiny in other regions, including a similar investigation in France. Earlier, the CFTC had effectively banned the platform in the U.S., though recent developments, including a major investment from the Intercontinental Exchange, might impact its operational future.

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