Indonesia Blocks Polymarket: Prediction vs Gambling Law
How are other countries drawing the line right now? There is no global consensus. A few broad patterns are visible: In the United States, federal derivatives law often applies to event contracts. Some platforms have sought regulated pathways for limited categories (such as certain economic indicators), but political markets remain a flashpoint, with ongoing litigation and administrative proceedings. PredictIt‘s academic-market no-action relief was partially curtailed, and Kalshi’s attempts to list political contracts drew challenges—illustrating the contested perimeter. In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission can treat real-money event markets as betting unless they fall under financial-services rules. Political-betting permissions are narrower than sports, and consumer-protection expectations are high. The European Unions MiCA regime focuses on crypto-asset issuance and service providers; it does not directly license gambling. Event markets offering non-financial outcomes for cash stakes are generally caught by national gambling laws, not MiCA. Across Asia-Pacific, authorities vary: some emphasize gambling prohibitions and payment controls; others explore sandboxed derivatives approaches. The common thread is that unlicensed, offshore, retail-facing event betting tends to be restricted. What risks do users face when a platform is blocked? Regulatory blocks change your risk profile immediately. Even if you previously accessed a platform, you may not be able to close positions, withdraw promptly,