Polymarket banned in Australian amid crackdown on illegal betting, election wagering concerns

Crypto-based prediction market platform Polymarket has been banned in Australia. The move follows an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) conducted in May.

The ACMA announced this month 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 such as Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, and Spinanga are also facing similar restrictions.

Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017, the regulator said. In Polymarket's case, its ban follows a report earlier this year that the platform had paid TikTok and Instagram personalities to promote betting on Australia’s federal election.

The ACMA launched a formal inquiry into the US-based prediction platform back in May, as it did not hold a license to operate in Australia. The inquiry followed claims that influencers promoted betting odds for the prime ministerial race, tagging Polymarket’s social media accounts in their posts.

Report details influencer involvement

The allegations were published on April 29, 2025, by journalist Cam Wilson for Crikey, an independent Australian outlet. The report stated that Polymarket paid local social media creators to post content featuring current betting odds on the federal election. “Each of these creators cited Polymarket odds and tagged the company’s account in their posts,” the report stated.

Influencers identified in the report had audiences ranging from several hundred thousand followers to nearly one million. The activity occurred during the lead-up to the election that resulted in the re-election of Labor’s Anthony Albanese as prime minister.

Election betting activity and restrictions

Betting on elections is not permitted in Australia without proper licensing. Access to Polymarket’s platform in the country can be obtained through a virtual private network (VPN). For example, the most recent papal election saw $40.4 million in bets placed across platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

Polymarket also faced investigations in the US, both civil and criminal, which were formally closed without charges filed earlier this year. 

Regulatory and societal concerns

The use of influencers in gambling advertising has been the subject of ongoing research and policy debate. A 2024 Australian report found that influencer marketing can increase acceptance of gambling among minors.

“As soon as they see a famous YouTuber or TikToker or Instagrammer, they think it’s suddenly cool, and they want to do it too,” a 13-year-old girl told researchers.

Another excerpt from the report stated: “Some young people suggested that because celebrities and influencers live aspirational lifestyles, their appearance in gambling ads may give viewers the impression that gambling might help them achieve that same lifestyle.”

“I think you kind of get shown a bit of their lifestyle in it and think that if you can win like they are, then you can have that lifestyle too,” said a 15-year-old boy.

Several countries have enacted bans on gambling advertisements featuring influencers in response to public concerns.