Dutch Gambling Authority Orders Polymarket Affiliate to Halt Operations

Dutch regulators have instructed a local affiliate of Polymarket to immediately stop offering services in the Netherlands, citing violations of national gambling laws. The Netherlands Gambling Authority said Adventure One, linked to the blockchain based prediction platform Polymarket, was operating without the required license.

According to the regulator, the company allegedly offered unauthorized betting products to Dutch residents, including wagers related to national elections. Authorities warned that failure to comply with the order could result in penalties reaching approximately $990,000. Officials also stated that previous outreach to address the concerns had not received a satisfactory response.

The regulator emphasized that certain forms of event-based betting are not permitted in the Dutch market under any circumstances, even for licensed operators.

Broader Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies

The enforcement action comes as prediction markets face increasing oversight globally. In the United States, questions over regulatory jurisdiction between state authorities and federal agencies have intensified, particularly regarding whether event contracts fall under financial derivatives or gambling frameworks.

Meanwhile, Dutch policymakers are advancing broader financial regulation. The country’s House of Representatives recently moved forward with a proposal to introduce a 36% capital gains tax on investment assets, a measure that could include cryptocurrencies if approved by the Senate. If enacted, the tax could take effect as early as 2028.

The developments signal a tightening regulatory climate for crypto-linked platforms operating across European markets.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.