Argentina Orders Nationwide Block on Polymarket Platform
- Argentina blocked Polymarket after a court found it lacked valid gaming approval.
- The ruling orders ISPs and app stores to restrict platform access across Argentina.
- The case broadened debate over gambling oversight and access to predictive markets.
A Buenos Aires court ordered a nationwide block of Polymarket on March 16, 2026, directing internet providers, Google, and Apple to restrict access over unregulated gambling concerns. The decision came from Judge Susana Parada and applies across Argentina. The National Communications Entity (ENACOM) will enforce the measure through local internet providers.
Authorities also instructed Google and Apple to remove the platform’s mobile apps from their stores for all Argentine users, including those already registered. Despite the immediate order, access to Polymarket remained available at 1:05 pm Buenos Aires time. Users on social media also reported continued access during that period.
Argentina now becomes the second country in Latin America to impose a full restriction on the platform, following Colombia’s similar move last year.
Legal Case and Enforcement Actions
The case began with a complaint from the Buenos Aires City Lottery (LOTBA). The Argentine Chamber of Casino Halls, Bingo Halls, and Annexes (CASCBA) supported the filing. Soon after, the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Gambling (FEJA) opened an investigation. The Judicial Investigations Corps (CIJ) provided technical support during the process.
Investigators concluded that Polymarket operates as a covert online betting system. They classified its “prediction market” model as a form of unregulated gambling. The court ruled that the platform lacks authorization to operate within Argentina. As a result, authorities ordered a full block on the site and all related variations.
ENACOM must now coordinate with internet service providers to enforce the ban nationwide. In parallel, Apple and Google must revoke access to Polymarket apps in Argentina.
Platform Risks and Regulatory Concerns
Authorities found that Polymarket operated without local controls. The platform accepted cryptocurrencies and credit cards without restrictions. Users could create accounts within minutes. The system did not require identity or age verification during registration.
Judge Parada pointed to these features as major risks for users. She warned that minors could access unregulated gambling without safeguards. The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the block targets the platform in full. It includes all versions and access points across Argentina.
At the same time, the case gained urgency after unusual activity linked to Argentina’s inflation data. A contract trend shifted minutes before official figures appeared, raising concerns over a possible leak.
Related: Argentina May Let Banks Offer Crypto Custody Services
Regional Debate and Global Context
The decision has sparked debate across Argentina. Some observers support the move as a step toward protecting vulnerable users. The restriction of access to international prediction systems and their corresponding information resources has led to differing opinions among observers. Can governments balance user protection without restricting emerging financial technologies?
Meanwhile, other countries continue to assess prediction markets differently. In the United States, regulators focus on tighter oversight rather than outright bans. Some U.S. authorities argue that certain contracts resemble unlicensed sports wagering. However, these platforms claim oversight falls under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
In addition, Brazil continues to debate whether prediction markets qualify as gambling platforms. Officials there have yet to reach a final regulatory stance. Polymarket gained traction during the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Its predictions at times outpaced traditional polling data.
