Argentina Blocks Polymarket, Orders App Removal Nationwide

• A Buenos Aires court ordered telecom regulator ENACOM to block Polymarket nationwide.
• Apple and Google must remove the app from stores after authorities classified it as illegal gambling.
• The investigation cited inflation prediction activity and potential access by minors.

Argentina has ordered a nationwide block of crypto-based prediction platform Polymarket after a Buenos Aires court ruled it operated as an unlicensed gambling service. The decision directs telecom regulator ENACOM to restrict access and requires Apple and Google to remove the app. The case followed a complaint filed by the Buenos Aires City Lottery, known as LOTBA.

Court Orders Nationwide Restrictions

The ruling came from a court in Buenos Aires after reviewing claims against Polymarket. Authorities concluded the platform functioned as an online betting system. As a result, the court instructed ENACOM to coordinate with internet service providers. These providers must now block access to the platform across Argentina.

Additionally, regulators ordered Apple and Google to remove Polymarket from their app stores. This action prevents new downloads by users in the country. According to reports, the case began after a complaint from the Buenos Aires City Lottery.

The regulator raised concerns about unlicensed gambling activity. Officials also examined how the platform handled market predictions tied to economic data. This review contributed to the final enforcement measures.

Concerns Over Market Activity And Access

Authorities focused on specific activity involving Argentina’s inflation data. Reports state the platform predicted a 2.9% inflation rate before its official release. However, the prediction reportedly changed minutes before the data became public. This raised questions among regulators reviewing the platform’s operations.

Officials also alleged that Polymarket allowed access to betting markets without proper authorization. Concerns included potential access by minors. Following the investigation, authorities classified the service as illegal under local gambling laws. This classification led to the nationwide block.

Separately, Polymarket recently removed a market related to nuclear weapon detonation probabilities. The decision followed backlash during rising tensions involving the United States and Iran.

Regional And Global Scrutiny Intensifies

Argentina now joins Colombia in restricting Polymarket within Latin America. Colombia previously blocked the platform over similar concerns. At the time, Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié said the site lacked required permits. Authorities also opened an investigation into those responsible.

Meanwhile, scrutiny has expanded beyond Latin America. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi face regulatory pressure in the United States. In February 2026, Kalshi faced a lawsuit in Oregon over alleged illegal gambling operations. Another lawsuit claimed withheld payouts tied to a $54 million market.