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Polymarket geoblocks services in Ireland after gambling watchdog’s court threat

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 8:18 PM
Photo: Shutterstock
  • Alex Cunningham, Irish Examiner

Polymarket has become the second large-scale predictions market to geoblock its services in Ireland, following increased scrutiny from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). Polymarket now lists Ireland as a restricted area alongside 36 other countries.

Prediction markets are online platforms that are used to trade financial contracts based on the outcomes of real-world events, such as elections and sports games.

In June’s Dublin Central by-election, roughly €4m [$4.6m] worth of wagers were placed on 12 prospective candidates on Polymarket (some of whom did not run for the seat).

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The GRAI has threatened High Court action to regulate prediction markets that currently operate without a licence in Ireland.