Argentina Orders Block on Polymarket Access

A court in Buenos Aires has mandated the blocking of the Polymarket platform in Argentina, instructing Google and Apple to remove its mobile application from their stores. This decision was made by Judge Susana Parada at the request of the local gambling regulator, which determined that Polymarket was operating without the necessary license.

Local prosecutors have characterized the platform as a "hidden online betting system," highlighting its failure to verify users' identities and ages, thereby allowing minors to create accounts and access contracts easily.

Additionally, the platform's acceptance of cryptocurrencies for transactions raised concerns about users circumventing the regulatory scrutiny typically required for gambling operations. The national communications authority, ENACOM, has been tasked with ensuring that internet service providers block access to Polymarket across the country.

Authorities noted unusual trading activity related to Argentina's inflation rates, particularly before the official report was released in February. Analysts had predicted inflation between 2.6% and 2.8%, but just 20 minutes prior to the announcement, Polymarket's quotes jumped to 2.9%, with bets on that contract reaching $91,000. This prompted speculation about potential insider information leaks.

Globally, pressure on prediction markets is mounting, with Polymarket's access already restricted in countries like Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. The platform had previously been reported to be returning to the U.S. market in beta mode by November 2025.