A court in Buenos Aires has ordered a complete nationwide block on the popular crypto-based prediction market platform Polymarket, ruling that it operates as an unlicensed online betting system. The decision, issued by Judge Susana Parada on March 17, 2026, also directs Google and Apple to remove the Polymarket mobile app from their respective stores in Argentina.
The ruling stems from an investigation led by Prosecutor Juan Rozas of the city’s specialized gambling prosecution office, prompted by complaints from the Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA) and the Argentine Chamber of Casino Halls, Bingo Halls and Annexes (CASCBA). Prosecutors concluded that Polymarket functions as a “hidden system of online bets,” violating local gambling regulations.
Key concerns highlighted in the court documents include the platform’s complete lack of identity or age verification. Users can create accounts in minutes without any checks, effectively granting unrestricted access to betting contracts — including to minors. Investigators also pointed out that Polymarket’s use of cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals allows it to bypass the strict regulatory oversight required for traditional gambling operators in Argentina.
The national communications regulator ENACOM has been tasked with instructing internet service providers to block access to Polymarket’s website and related domains across the entire country. Google and Apple must additionally restrict or remove the app for Argentine users, even those who have already downloaded it.
The case gained extra attention amid allegations of potential insider trading. Just before Argentina’s official February inflation data release, Polymarket contracts on the inflation rate saw $91,000 in trading volume, with odds shifting dramatically to 2.9% — higher than analysts’ forecasts of 2.6–2.8%. Local media reported this movement raised suspicions of information leaks.
Argentina is the latest country to restrict Polymarket. The platform has already faced blocks or geo-restrictions in Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania, where regulators cited similar concerns over unlicensed gambling and inadequate user protections.
Polymarket, which allows users to bet on real-world events ranging from elections to economic indicators using stablecoins, has grown rapidly in popularity globally. However, its decentralized, crypto-native model continues to clash with traditional gambling licensing frameworks in multiple jurisdictions.
As enforcement begins, Argentine users will lose both web and mobile access to the platform. The decision underscores a broader regional and global trend of regulators cracking down on unregulated prediction markets operating outside conventional betting oversight.
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