Buenos Aires court orders national Polymarket block in Argentina
Regulation1 min read
A Buenos Aires City court ordered a nationwide block on Polymarket after finding that the platform operated as online gambling without authorisation. The ruling instructs ENACOM to coordinate the restriction with internet providers and orders Google and Apple to remove Polymarket’s mobile applications from Argentine stores.
A Buenos Aires City court has ordered a nationwide block on Polymarket after authorities concluded that it operated as an unauthorised online gambling service in Argentina.
The court instructed Argentina's communications authority, ENACOM, to coordinate the block with internet providers. It ordered Google and Apple to remove access to Polymarket's mobile apps on Android and iOS for users in Argentina.
Judge Susana Parada, head of PCyF Court No. 31, issued the ruling, while prosecutor Juan Rozas led the investigation into Polymarket's local operations. The case followed complaints from Buenos Aires City lottery LOTBA and the Argentine chamber representing casinos, bingo halls and related businesses, reportedly.
Investigators concluded that Polymarket operated as an online betting platform despite presenting itself as a prediction market. The investigation reportedly found an absence of strong identity and age checks and that accounts could be funded quickly using cryptocurrencies and bank cards. Authorities said the weaknesses posed risks to minors and other vulnerable users.
Polymarket had attracted attention in Argentina by correctly reflecting February inflation of 2.9% shortly before the official figure was published.