Polymarket blocks Irish users as GRAI intensifies oversight

Prediction market platform Polymarket has added Ireland to its list of prohibited jurisdictions, marking the second notable operator to cut off Irish access amid mounting pressure from the country’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI).

The move brings the total number of restricted territories on Polymarket’s list to 37. The development follows an RTÉ Ireland report that the GRAI had initiated High Court proceedings against an unnamed prediction market firm that allegedly continued serving Irish customers despite regulatory warnings.

The GRAI currently lacks legal authority to compel internet service providers to block unlicensed gambling sites. However, the regulator is seeking “trusted flagger status” through collaboration with Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s media commission. If granted, this designation would allow the GRAI to request the removal of websites suspected of violating gambling laws.

Ireland’s scrutiny of prediction markets intensified after approximately €4 million in wagers were placed on 12 potential candidates during the Dublin Central by-election via Polymarket — including individuals who never actually ran. Irish Minister for Finance Simon Harris subsequently ordered a full investigation into the betting activity, voicing concerns that such platforms could be exploited for money laundering.

Earlier this week, Turkey’s National Lottery Administration (Milli Piyango İdaresi) also classified Polymarket as an illegal betting service and ordered its blocking. The platform now faces restrictions across a broad swath of Europe, including France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.