- India blocks Polymarket through ISP order after classifying prediction markets as illegal online money gaming.
- MeitY enforces May 1, 2026 rules requiring VPNs and ISPs to restrict access to betting-style prediction platforms.
- Kalshi also faces potential blocking as India expands enforcement against offshore prediction markets.
India blocked access to prediction market platform Polymarket, after authorities classified it as illegal online money gaming. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, known as MeitY, issued the ISP-level blocking order following new online gaming rules that took effect earlier this month. Officials are also reportedly preparing a similar enforcement action against Kalshi, which remains accessible inside India.
India Reclassifies Prediction Markets
According to MeitY’s April 25 advisory, internet providers and VPN services received instructions to block access to prediction market platforms. The advisory specifically named Polymarket among targeted services.
Notably, India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules officially took effect on May 1, 2026. The framework classifies platforms allowing wagers on uncertain outcomes as prohibited online betting services.
Authorities said prediction markets fall under “online money games” because users deposit real money on event outcomes. The classification applies even when operators describe their platforms as forecasting or research tools.
Meanwhile, users across India attempting to access Polymarket now receive connection error messages after the government implemented ISP-level restrictions.
Kalshi Faces Similar Enforcement Pressure
People familiar with the matter told local media that MeitY may issue a blocking order against Kalshi by May 23, 2026. The platform operates under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight in the United States.
However, Indian regulators have continued tightening oversight on crypto-linked financial activity beyond prediction markets. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India previously raised concerns over stablecoin-based transactions and offshore capital movement.
Earlier this week, lawmakers also met representatives from Binance, WazirX, and ZebPay in New Delhi to discuss virtual digital asset regulations.
Global Pressure on Prediction Platforms Grows
India’s action follows similar restrictions in other jurisdictions targeting prediction markets. Earlier this year, authorities in Argentina ordered providers to block Polymarket after courts classified it outside gambling regulations.
Additionally, regulators in Colombia and Romania previously restricted access to the platform. Minnesota also became the first U.S. state to ban prediction market services under state-level enforcement measures.
