Spain joins growing list of countries shutting out Polymarket and Kalshi
Key takeaways
- Authorities said the precautionary blocking measures would remain in place while the cases proceed, a process expected to take three to four months.
- The notices came after regulators failed to notify the companies through known foreign addresses.
- Kalshi and Polymarket currently dominate prediction markets’ trading activity.
The platforms were blocked for operating without licenses required by Spanish gambling law, citing a lack of safeguards for minors and self-excluded gamblers.By Francisco Rodrigues|Edited by Sheldon Reback May 26, 2026, 12:06 p.m. 2 min read Make preferred on Kalshi website. (Jesse Hamilton/Coin Desk)What to know: Spain initiated disciplinary proceedings against Polymarket and Kalshi, ordering internet service providers to block access to the platforms for offering unlicensed betting products.The prediction markets were blocked for operating without licenses required by Spanish gambling law, citing a lack of safeguards for minors and self-excluded gamblers.Spain's action increases the global regulatory scrutiny of the industry following similar moves in countries like Indonesia and India.Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs opened disciplinary proceedings against prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi and ordered internet service providers to block access to the platforms.
In notices published in the country’s official state gazette, Spain’s gambling regulator, the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ), said the companies were offering betting products tied to uncertain future events without the licenses required under Spanish law, according to local news outlets.
Authorities said the precautionary blocking measures would remain in place while the cases proceed, a process expected to take three to four months.