Hungary’s gambling regulator, the SZTFH, has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, effectively banning the crypto prediction platform for most users in the country.
A notice dated January 16, 2026, declared that the authority has launched a procedure against the platform’s operator, Adventure One QSS Inc., for organizing “prohibited gambling”. The block applies to the main domain and all subdomains until a final decision is reached.
Immediate Impact on Users
Hungarian users have reported being unable to load the site, instead encountering warnings citing the regulatory decision. While Polymarket positions itself as a trading market rather than a sportsbook, Hungarian authorities have dismissed this distinction, treating its prediction contracts as unlicensed gambling products.
Part of a European Crackdown
Hungary’s move aligns with a broader trend of European regulators tightening the net around crypto prediction markets. Portugal recently issued similar orders to wind down Polymarket’s operations, citing restrictions on political betting.
The SZTFH’s action highlights the growing willingness of national authorities to use blunt enforcement tools, like domain blocking, to target platforms operating outside traditional licensing frameworks. As regulators across the continent coordinate their stance, Polymarket faces increasing barriers to operating in the European market.
