Major prediction market platform Polymarket has been blocked in Italy, having been placed on the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency’s (ADM) list of blocked websites for the second time. Polymarket was previously blocked in October 2025, though that ban was eventually overturned later that same year in December following legal proceedings in the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio.
As initially reported by local media outlet Agipro, the ADM’s decision appears to be part of efforts to combat illegal gaming activities in Italy, as Polymarket has been deemed not to be in compliance with Italy’s gaming regulations.
Italian gambling industry expert reacts to the Polymarket ban
Stefano Tino, Managing Director of Southern Europe at Betsson Group, who plays a significant role in the betting operator’s business in the Italian market, wrote in a LinkedIn post that he is “pleased” with the ADM’s decision to place Polymarket on its blacklist of unauthorised gambling websites.
Explaining his thoughts, Tino remarked that he had previously expressed his view that the Italian regulator should take a clear position on prediction markets, adding that he believes a fundamental principle of every regulated market is that “the same rules must apply to everyone”.
“Licensed operators invest significant resources to obtain and maintain their licences, comply with anti-money laundering and responsible gaming obligations, implement consumer protection measures, undergo continuous regulatory oversight and contribute substantial tax revenues,” Tino said.
He continued that it is therefore “only fair that they compete on a level playing field,” as he commented that regulatory decisions should have consistent consequences across the entire legal framework, as “the market receives mixed signals” otherwise.
With that said, the Betsson Group executive commented that he now hopes that the Italian Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) “will complete its own assessment regarding the recent sponsorship that has generated considerable discussion,” likely referring to the recent agreement announced between football club S.S. Lazio and Polymarket.
Gambling operators, prediction markets, and Italy’s regulatory framework
Tino had spoken out about the sponsorship shortly after it was announced, arguing that there was an issue of inconsistency in how regulatory frameworks and advertising regulations were highly restrictive towards regulated operators while prediction markets were seemingly unaffected.
He remarked that if a website is considered by the competent regulator to be an unauthorised gambling operator, then “it is difficult to see how its promotional and sponsorship activities could be considered compatible with the current regulatory framework,” as he added that a clarification of the matter would serve to benefit consumers, licensed operators, and the market’s credibility.
“Ultimately, consistency between licensing, enforcement and advertising rules is essential. Regulatory coherence protects consumers, rewards operators that invest in compliance, and strengthens the integrity and sustainability of the regulated gaming industry,” Tino concluded.
The status of prediction markets has been a matter of debate in Italy, with the issue reaching the Italian Parliament after the partnership with Lazio further put a spotlight on the issue. Advertising for online gambling offering cash prizes is prohibited in Italy.
Polymarket has consistently maintained that, as a prediction market platform, it is a form of financial services rather than a form of betting. On its list of geographical restrictions, Polymarket notes that trading in Italy is restricted and that users in the jurisdiction can view markers and data but cannot trade.
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