Dutch authorities call on Polymarket arm to cease activities

CoinTelegraph

by Turner Wright

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Dutch authorities have taken action against Polymarket’s Dutch arm, Adventure One, ordering it to cease operations immediately due to alleged violations of gambling laws. The Netherlands Gambling Authority (NGA) imposed a significant penalty, citing that Adventure One offered illegal betting activities, including predictions on local elections, without obtaining the necessary license. Failure to comply could result in fines up to €900,000 ($990,000). This move highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets, which allow users to trade outcomes based on real-world events. Polymarket, a decentralized platform enabling bets on future events through blockchain technology, has faced criticism for operating without proper licensing in certain jurisdictions. Adventure One’s activities were identified as non-compliant with Dutch gambling regulations, which prohibit unlicensed betting operations. The NGA emphasized that such platforms pose risks to consumers and the market, even if they hold licenses elsewhere. This development underscores the challenges facing crypto-based prediction markets, particularly regarding regulatory compliance. While these platforms are seen as innovative, they often operate in legal gray areas, making them targets for authorities aiming to enforce existing gambling laws. The case of Adventure One serves as a cautionary tale for other decentralized platforms navigating complex regulatory landscapes globally. For crypto enthusiasts and investors, this situation highlights the importance of understanding local regulations and the potential risks associated with blockchain-based financial products. As prediction markets gain traction, increased oversight is likely, raising questions about how these platforms can balance innovation with compliance in an evolving regulatory environment.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/20/2026