A court in Buenos Aires has ordered a nationwide block against the prediction market platform Polymarket. Judge Susana Parada mandated that Apple and Google restrict the app after investigators determined it was operating as an unlicensed gambling service. The ruling followed an inquiry that found the platform lacked identity and age verification controls.
A court in Argentina has ordered a country-wide block on the prediction market platform Polymarket. Judge Susana Barrios de Colombres instructed tech giants Apple and Google to remove or limit access to its application.
The order came after an investigation by Prosecutor Juan Rozas, who oversees gambling cases. Authorities concluded the platform was operating as an unauthorized betting service without the required license.
Investigators said accounts could be created without proper identity or age checks, enabling unrestricted participation. The platform also facilitated payments via cryptocurrencies and credit cards outside of regulated controls.
The case was triggered by a complaint from the LoterÃa de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Additional verification found no record of Polymarket holding a gambling license in any Argentine jurisdiction.
The court’s decision surfaced amid a separate controversy involving Argentina’s inflation data. Activity on Polymarket tied to the February inflation figure saw trading volumes rise to roughly $91,000 just before the official release.
This adds to a growing trend of regulatory crackdowns on prediction market services globally. Companies like Polymarket have faced legal pressure in numerous countries including France, Germany, Italy, and Singapore.
Earlier this year, Israeli authorities charged individuals over alleged misuse of classified military intelligence to gain an advantage on the platform. Prosecutors filed serious charges including security violations and bribery.
