An Argentine Court Orders Nationwide Block of Polymarket, Citing Alleged Unlicensed Gambling Service

March 17 — An Argentine court has ordered a nationwide block of crypto prediction market platform Polymarket, per a March 11 ruling from Buenos Aires’ 31st Criminal, Misdemeanor and Petty Offenses Trial Court. The court directed the Argentine National Communications Regulatory Agency (ENACOM) to block access to Polymarket’s website and related domains for users. The case was filed by the Buenos Aires City Gambling Regulatory Agency (LOTBA). Juan Rozas, the local prosecutor overseeing gambling matters, launched an investigation, accusing Polymarket of offering unlicensed gambling services to Argentine users—allegedly violating the country’s criminal code. The court ordered ENACOM to enforce the block via internet service providers (ISPs) and report immediately to the court or gaming prosecutor’s office if technical issues arise. It also asked Google and Apple to delist and restrict Polymarket’s Android and iOS apps in Argentina, including limiting access for existing users. The regulator noted Polymarket lacks robust identity and age verification, theoretically allowing “anyone—including minors—to place bets without oversight.” Local media reports previously noted a Polymarket prediction market on Argentine inflation data closely aligned with official stats from the national statistics agency, sparking speculation about potential insider trading.