An Argentinian court has recently ruled to implement a nationwide ban on the major cryptocurrency prediction market platform Polymarket, citing allegations that the platform offers unauthorized gambling services.
The order was issued by the 31st Chamber of the Buenos Aires Court of First Instance in Criminal, Contravencional, and Minor Offenses. Polymarket is under investigation by the court under Argentina's Penal Code for allegedly providing gambling services without a license.
The judge has instructed the Argentine National Communications Entity (ENCOM) to enforce the ban directly or through Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and to report any technical or other obstacles that may hinder its full execution to the court or the specialized gambling prosecutor's office in a timely manner.
The case was initiated by Buenos Aires regulators.
Following a complaint from the Buenos Aires Province Lottery and Games Directorate (LOTBA) regarding Polymarket's alleged unlicensed operation, prosecutor Juan Rozas, who heads the City's Specialized Gaming Prosecutor's Office (FEJA), launched the investigation, which ultimately led to the court's ban order.
Authorities reportedly stated: "In effect, this means that anyone, including children and adolescents, can access and bet without any type of regulation."
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In addition to instructing ENCOM to block access to Polymarket, the court has also reportedly requested Google and Apple to remove and restrict the platform's mobile applications on Android and iOS within Argentina, including for existing users.
Polymarket did not immediately respond to Cointelegraph's request for comment.