The Netherlands Blocks Polymarket But Predictive Markets Remain Accessible, Multiple Platforms Continue to Operate

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 multiple platforms, including Kalshi, Hyperliquid, and Interactive Brokers, continue to offer related services to Dutch users.

The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, has previously stated that similar platforms may also face 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 blocking measures may still be circumvented, for example, by accessing through VPNs.

Overall, the prediction market is facing a global trend of stricter regulations. Countries such as the Netherlands, Brazil, and several European nations have taken measures to ban or penalize unlicensed platforms, while issues regarding industry compliance and regulatory oversight remain highly contentious.