Indonesia has blocked access to Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market platform. The country's authorities classified the service as online gambling in disguise, arguing that using blockchain technology doesn't alter the fundamental act of placing wagers on uncertain outcomes.
Why regulators moved now
Indonesian authorities have been tightening controls on digital gambling for months, and Polymarket's rapid growth drew their attention. The platform lets users bet on everything from election results to sports scores using cryptocurrency. Officials said the use of crypto or blockchain does not exempt a platform from gambling laws. The block came into effect this week, cutting off access for Indonesian users who tried to visit the site.
What the ruling says
In a statement, Indonesian regulators made clear that technology is irrelevant to the classification. A platform enabling wagers on uncertain outcomes is gambling, full stop. The move fits a broader pattern in Southeast Asia, where several governments are cracking down on unlicensed betting sites. Polymarket hasn't commented on the block so far.
What users saw
Indonesian users attempting to reach Polymarket's website this week encountered a block page from internet service providers. The platform remained accessible via VPN workarounds, but authorities warned they would target those too. The timing isn't great for Polymarket — the platform is already under scrutiny from regulators in the U.S. and Europe over similar concerns.
Polymarket faces an uncertain path in Indonesia. The block is unlikely to be reversed unless the company obtains a local gambling license or restructures its product to avoid being classified as betting. Neither option looks straightforward. For now, Indonesian users are locked out, and other regulators in the region are watching closely.
