Spain’s gambling regulator just pulled the plug on the two biggest prediction markets in the world. The country’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, known as DGOJ, opened disciplinary proceedings against both Polymarket and Kalshi on May 26, ordering internet service providers to block access to the platforms.
The reason is straightforward: neither platform holds a license to offer betting products under Spanish law.
What Spain actually did
The DGOJ, operating under Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, flagged both Polymarket and Kalshi for a list of deficiencies that reads like a consumer protection checklist. No identity verification processes. No safeguards for minors. No protections for users who have self-excluded from gambling.
The ISP-level blocks are classified as a precautionary measure, expected to remain in place for three to four months while formal investigations continue.
