Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry temporarily banned so-called prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi ​for operating in the country without a ‌gambling licence, the official state gazette showed on Tuesday.

The ministry said its gambling watchdog opened an investigation into both companies for allegedly violating local regulations by operating without mandatory administrative authorization.

The ban is expected to remain in effect for three to four months while the investigation is completed.

The ministry stated that unauthorized operators lack required technical and regulatory safeguards, including identity verification systems, access controls for minors and individuals who have self-excluded or are banned from gambling, and standards necessary to protect users.