Spain has blocked access to the prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi, making it the latest country to crack down on the services for operating without the required gambling licenses. The move, carried out by Spanish authorities, targets platforms that allow users to bet on the outcomes of real-world events, from elections to sports.
Why the platforms were blocked
According to Spanish gambling regulators, both Polymarket and Kalshi lacked the licenses needed to legally offer their services in the country. The blocking was justified by citing a lack of safeguards for minors and self-excluded gamblers — protections that licensed operators are required to provide under Spanish law. Authorities argue that without such safeguards, users, particularly vulnerable ones, face heightened risks of harm.
A growing list of countries
Spain is not alone in its actions. Several other nations have moved to restrict or block Polymarket and Kalshi in recent months, citing similar concerns about unlicensed gambling. The trend highlights the regulatory friction these platforms face as they expand globally, operating in a legal gray area where their services are sometimes classified as betting rather than financial markets.
What the platforms say
Neither Polymarket nor Kalshi has publicly commented on the Spanish block as of this writing. The companies, both based in the United States, have previously defended their models by arguing that prediction markets are a form of information gathering, not gambling. That argument has not held up in jurisdictions that require explicit gambling permits for any platform where users stake money on uncertain events.
What comes next
For now, Spanish users attempting to access either site will see a block page. The exact enforcement mechanism — whether through internet service providers or DNS blocking — has not been detailed by regulators. It is unclear whether the platforms will challenge the order or seek to obtain Spanish gambling licenses. Similar blocks in other countries have led to prolonged legal battles, though no definitive resolution has emerged.
