The Netherlands Blocks Polymarket but Predictive Market Accessible, Multiple Platforms Still Providing Service

BlockBeats News, May 5th, According to reports, despite Polymarket being banned by the Dutch gambling regulatory authority in February this year, local users can still participate in prediction market trading through other platforms. Investigations show that several platforms, including Kalshi, Hyperliquid, and Interactive Brokers, continue to offer services to Dutch users.

The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, has previously made it clear that similar platforms may also be subject to regulation and penalties. Reports indicate that some platforms even provide prediction contracts for local Dutch events, such as football leagues and elections, demonstrating proactive expansion into the local market. At the same time, the regulatory agency acknowledges that blockade measures may still be circumvented, for example, by accessing through VPNs.

Overall, the prediction market is facing a global trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny. Countries such as the Netherlands, Brazil, and several European countries have taken measures to ban or penalize unlicensed platforms, while significant disputes remain regarding industry compliance and regulatory jurisdiction.