The National Gambling Office of Romania (ONJN) has blacklisted the Polymarket platform, deeming its operations unlicensed.

The regulator has mandated internet providers in the country to restrict access to the site. This decision follows a surge in cryptocurrency betting during national elections. According to ONJN, trading volume on Polymarket exceeded $600 million.

The agency described the platform’s operations as “counter bets,” where users wager against each other. The regulator considers this model a form of gambling, regardless of blockchain use.

“It’s not about the technology, it’s about the law,” stated the head of the agency, Vlad-Cristian Soare.In his view, bets in cryptocurrency or fiat remain gambling and require a license.

ONJN expressed particular concern over activity on the platform during local elections. Trading volume in the market dedicated to the Bucharest mayoral election exceeded $16 million.

The agency also pointed out Polymarket’s lack of fiscal reporting, player protection mechanisms, and AML procedures.

Romania is not the first country to restrict access to Polymarket. In 2022, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) fined the platform for operating without registration.