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Spain blocks access to Polymarket and Kalshi as it launches gambling license investigation

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 7:13 PM
Photo: Shutterstock
  • Ashifa Kassam, The Guardian

Spain’s ministry of consumer rights has blocked access to Polymarket and Kalshi while it investigates whether the leading prediction market sites are violating Spanish law by operating without a gambling license.

On Tuesday the ministry said it had launched disciplinary proceedings against the two platforms, which allow users to bet on everything from the weather to political events, amid allegations that they lacked the “necessary administrative authorization” to operate in Spain.

The two sites would be blocked domestically until the investigation was concluded, it said in a statement, which added: “The process of reaching a final decision is expected to take between three and four months.”