Spain Blocks Polymarket and Kalshi Amid Gambling License Investigation
Spain blocks Polymarket and Kalshi amid gambling licence investigation actions.Regulators treat prediction markets as gambling requiring strict approval rules.Global pressure grows as countries restrict prediction market platforms expansion. Spain intensified its crackdown on prediction market platforms after regulators blocked domestic access to Polymarket and Kalshi during a new gambling licence investigation. Authorities believe both companies may have operated illegally in the country without securing approval from Spanish regulators. Consequently, the dispute adds fresh pressure on a rapidly growing sector that already faces mounting restrictions across Europe and beyond. Spains Ministry of Consumer Rights confirmed Tuesday that it opened disciplinary proceedings against the two US-based platforms. Officials stated that prediction markets fall under gambling regulations because users wager on uncertain future events. Therefore, companies must obtain official authorization before offering services in Spain. The ministry also suspended access to both platforms while investigators review the case. Regulators expect the process to last between three and four months. Besides, officials argued that licensed operators must follow strict consumer protection rules. These rules include identity verification checks, age restrictions, and safeguards for people who voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling services. Spain Tightens Oversight on Prediction Markets Spanish regulators framed the investigation as part of a wider European push against