In the Netherlands, Polymarket is now under fire. But Belgium was earlier. Since 30 January 2025, the platform is officially listed as an illegal gambling site here.
The Belgian Gaming Commission blocked the website. Anyone trying to participate in the so-called prediction markets from Belgium runs into IP blocks and moves outside the licensed framework.
Explicitly illegal since January 2025
Polymarket does not have the required Belgian licences. That is the crux of the matter. Without local authorisation, a provider is not allowed to offer games of chance to Belgian players.
Since 30 January 2025, Polymarket is explicitly considered illegal. This means that offering these services to Belgians is prohibited. Participation from Belgium falls under Belgian gaming law, regardless of how the platform positions itself.
Polymarket’s international or so-called decentralised structure does not change this.
Access blocked via Belgian IP address
The Gaming Commission applied the Belgian enforcement policy. That resulted in blocking access for users with a Belgian IP address.
Those trying to access the website from Belgium find that it is often inaccessible. With this, the regulator wants to prevent players from participating without protection.
These blockades make it clear that Belgium sees Polymarket’s prediction markets as a form of gambling subject to national law.
No player protection or age verification
A key issue in the Belgian assessment is the lack of player protection. Polymarket offers no controls such as those applicable to licensed providers.
There are no age controls and no built-in safeguards to deter problematic gaming behaviour. In a market where protection is key, this weighs heavily.
According to reports by Knack and others, this is one of the reasons why the platform is seen as risky. The regulator looks not only at the form, but also at the impact on players.
Crypto does not make it legal
Polymarket works with crypto assets. Some users see that as a way to stay out of traditional rules.
In Belgium, this does not change the legal status. Using crypto currencies does not automatically make a platform legal. When unlicensed gaming is involved, it remains prohibited offerings.
In doing so, the Gaming Commission does not make exceptions for new technology or alternative means of payment.
Why this is important
The discussion around Polymarket revolves around more than just one website. Prediction markets are gaining popularity internationally. They are presented as innovative ways to speculate on events.
Belgium took a clear line on this early on. Without a licence, no market entry. This applies to classic online casinos, but also to new digital platforms that bet on elections or other topical issues.
The blockade and explicit qualification as an illegal gambling site show that Belgium recognised the risk earlier. While other countries are still debating the nature of prediction markets, the Belgian regulator opted for a tough approach as early as early 2025.
For Belgian players, the message is clear. Participation in prediction markets via Polymarket is not allowed and falls outside the protected, licensed offer.