Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Website Over Gambling License Breach

Ukrainian regulators have blocked access to Polymarket, labeling it as unlicensed gambling, affecting users unevenly across the country.

This restriction highlights regulatory challenges for blockchain-based platforms, potentially impacting users and market activities with $270 million in completed Ukraine-related bets.

Ukraine Enforces Blockade on Polymarket for License Breach

On January 12, 2026, the Ukrainian authorities decided to restrict access to the Polymarket website. The move stems from a regulatory assessment deeming the platform unlicensed gambling. The National Commission for State Regulation of Communications and Informatization (НКЕК) issued the blockage under Resolution No. 695.

Polymarket’s domain was added to a list of prohibited websites, instructing communication providers to restrict access. The action unevenly affects Ukrainian users, with some unable to access the site, while others report no restriction.

“The regulatory decision aligns with previous actions by other countries, such as Switzerland and France, which have also blocked Polymarket citing similar grounds.”

Licensing Challenges Spotlighted by Global Geo-Blocking Incidents

Did you know? Polymarket has faced similar geo-blocks in five other countries before Ukraine, due to unlicensed gambling activities, showcasing a repeated clash with international regulations.

According to CoinMarketCap, USDC trades at $1.00 with a market cap of $74.48 billion, comprising 2.40% market dominance. Its trading volume surged 179.10% over 24 hours. Recent price changes have been minimal, as per data updated on January 12, 2026.

Experts from the Coincu research team underscore the necessity for Polymarket to secure licensing in multiple jurisdictions. Consistent geo-blocks may hinder growth unless regulatory compliance is achieved. The platform’s reliance on USDC and Polygon requires navigating varying global policies to ensure uninterrupted operation.