Spain Moves to Block Polymarket and Kalshi Over Gambling Claims

Spain opens proceedings against Polymarket and Kalshi and requests ISP blocks over alleged unlicensed gambling.

Spain has moved to block Polymarket and Kalshi after opening sanction proceedings against both prediction market platforms.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs says the firms operated in Spain without gambling licenses.

The order targets access to both websites nationwide, while the case remains under review.

Spain Orders Website Blocks

Spain’s gambling regulator, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, has opened proceedings against Polymarket and Kalshi.

The body sits under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda.

Polymarket and Kalshi are being blocked in Spain 🚨

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has officially opened sanction proceedings against Polymarket and Kalshi

For allegedly operating as unlicensed gambling platforms.

The Spanish government has now ordered internet… pic.twitter.com/ivHHLO26fG

— StarPlatinum (@StarPlatinum_) May 26, 2026

The regulator said both platforms offered prediction markets to users in Spain without local approval.

It also ordered internet providers to block access to both websites as a temporary measure.

The ministry said the blocking order was published in the Official State Gazette on Tuesday. The measure will remain in place until the case reaches a final decision.

Spanish authorities said the websites may become fully blocked across the country within seven to ten days. The process depends on internet service providers and technical steps.

Ministry Requests Blocking of Polymarket and Kalshi

The Spanish Consumer Affairs Ministry has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi.

It has also requested that internet service providers block access to both websites. The blocking request is a precautionary measure while the case remains open.

The restriction applies across Spain and may take several days to become fully active.

西班牙消费者事务部已对预测市场平台 Polymarket 与 Kalshi 启动纪律程序，并要求互联网服务商封锁访问。

西班牙博彩监管机构称，两家公司在未取得当地博彩牌照的情况下提供与未来不确定事件相关的投注产品，且可能缺乏未成年人保护、身份核验及自我排除赌客保护机制。https://t.co/1mHln2b8mw

— 吴说区块链 (@wublockchain12) May 26, 2026

Spain’s gambling regulator said the two companies are offering betting products linked to uncertain future events. It said they have not obtained local gambling licenses.

The regulator also said the platforms may lack key protection systems. These include measures for minors, identity verification, and self-exclusion for gamblers.

Spanish law requires gambling operators to meet strict technical and user safety rules. The regulator said licensed companies must follow these rules before serving users in Spain.

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Proceedings Could Take Months

The sanction proceedings were issued after direct notification attempts failed, according to the ministry.

Authorities said notices were sent to known foreign addresses linked to the operators.

The case was then notified through the Official State Gazette, under Spanish administrative rules. This allowed the regulator to proceed with the enforcement process.

The ministry said the case may take three to four months before a final decision. During that time, the access block can remain active as a precaution.

Polymarket and Kalshi are both known for markets linked to real-world events. Their models differ from traditional sportsbooks because users trade with one another.

The platform usually acts as a market operator. It helps match trades and may collect fees from transactions.

Spain’s action places both companies under local gambling scrutiny. It also shows the regulator’s view that prediction markets need licenses before serving Spanish users.

The case centers on whether these platforms offered gambling products without authorization. The final decision will decide any penalties or future restrictions.

For now, Spain has taken a clear enforcement step. It has moved to block Polymarket and Kalshi over gambling claims while the inquiry continues.