Spain’s ministry of consumer rights has blocked access to prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi while it investigates whether they are operating without a required gambling licence. The ministry launched disciplinary proceedings against the US-based companies on Tuesday, alleging they lack the “necessary administrative authorisation” to operate in the country.
The two sites will remain blocked domestically until the investigation concludes, a process expected to take three to four months. Spanish officials stated that prediction markets are considered gambling when bets are placed on uncertain future outcomes, and therefore require a specific administrative licence. Operators must comply with safeguards such as identity verification and mechanisms to bar access by minors and self-excluded individuals.
Spain’s move follows similar actions by other European countries, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Romania, which have blocked or limited Polymarket over unlicensed gambling concerns. The ministry said it attempted to notify Polymarket and Kalshi before blocking them, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
A Polymarket spokesperson said the company is committed to engaging constructively with authorities and welcomes collaboration on a path forward that supports responsible innovation, transparency and user protection. Scrutiny of prediction markets has intensified, with Indonesia banning Polymarket and Brazil blocking over two dozen platforms earlier this year. Minnesota became the first US state to ban such sites, prompting a lawsuit from the Trump administration.
