Indonesia blocked access to Polymarket after officials concluded the prediction market platform operates as online gambling under national law. The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry said authorities are stepping up enforcement against digital betting services across the country. Regulators argued that platforms letting users speculate on uncertain future events fall within gambling restrictions, even when tied to crypto assets or blockchain technology. Officials said Polymarket enables financial wagers on elections, economic developments, sports results, and other future outcomes, and that its practical function resembles gambling. The platform’s website was blocked inside Indonesia, and authorities warned residents against using crypto-based betting services. Officials also began tracing related social media accounts to limit promotion and warned similar services could face restrictions.
"Indonesia has blocked access to Polymarket after officials concluded that the prediction market platform operates as online gambling under national law. The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry announced the move on Friday and said authorities are stepping up enforcement against digital betting services across the country. Officials argued that platforms allowing users to speculate on uncertain future events fall within Indonesia's gambling restrictions, even when those services are tied to crypto assets or blockchain technology."
"Authorities said Polymarket allows users to place financial wagers on elections, economic developments, sports results, and other future outcomes. While prediction markets often present themselves as information or forecasting tools, Indonesian regulators said the practical function still resembles gambling activity. Sabar said Polymarket's activities involve betting and speculation on uncertain events, putting the platform in violation of national regulations."
"Officials confirmed the platform's website has already been blocked inside Indonesia as part of a broader campaign targeting online gambling services. The ministry also warned residents against using crypto-based betting platforms that could expose users to financial losses or legal risks. The ministry said it is now tracing social media accounts connected to Polymarket as authorities try to limit promotion of the platform across multiple online channels."
"Officials added that similar services could face future restrictions if regulators determine they facilitate speculative betting activity. Indonesia's action mirrors growing pressure on prediction market companies in several other countries. According to Sabar, Singapore, Brazil, and India have"
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