Australia has restricted Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market. The move follows an investigation by the ACMA or Australian Communications and Media Authority conducted in May.
This month, the ACMA announced that it has instructed internet service providers to block Polymarket. The regulator cited violations of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 in its decision. Other sites like Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, and Spinaga are also facing similar restrictions.
The regulator said about 220 illegal services have pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing new online gambling rules in 2017. In Polymarket’s case, the ban follows a report earlier this year. That report revealed the platform had paid TikTok and Instagram personalities to promote betting on Australia’s federal election.
The regulator said around 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing new online gambling rules in 2017. In Polymarket’s case, the ban came after a report earlier this year. The report revealed the platform had paid TikTok and Instagram influencers to promote betting on Australia’s federal election.
Journalist Cam Wilson published the allegations on April 29, 2025, for the independent Australian outlet Crikey. The regulator said about 220 illegal services have left the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new online gambling rules in 2017. In Polymarket’s case, the ban followed a report earlier this year. That report revealed the platform had paid TikTok and Instagram influencers to promote betting on Australia’s federal election.
Influencers identified in the report had audiences varying from numerous hundred thousand followers to almost one million. The activity took place during the lead-up to the election. That election resulted in the re-election of Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party as prime minister.
Australia does not allow betting on elections without proper licensing. Users in the country can still access Polymarket through a VPN (virtual private network). For instance, the most recent papal election saw $40.4 million in its bets placed across platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.
In the United States, authorities carried out both civil and criminal investigations into Polymarket. However, they formally closed the cases without filing charges in early 2025.
