Serie A club Lazio has removed all references to Polymarket from its official website after Italy’s gambling regulator added the prediction market platform to its list of blocked gaming websites.
The measure, issued by Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), came into effect on July 27, requiring restrictions on platforms that are not authorized to operate under Italian gaming regulations.
$22 million sponsorship affected
Lazio signed a sponsorship agreement with Polymarket in April, with the platform becoming the club’s main shirt sponsor in a deal reportedly worth more than $22 million.
Following the regulator’s latest decision, the club removed Polymarket branding and sponsorship references from its official digital channels, although the commercial agreement itself has not been officially terminated.
Legal battle continues
This is the second regulatory action taken by ADM against Polymarket. The platform was previously added to Italy’s list of unauthorized gambling operators last year.
Polymarket challenged that decision before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio, arguing that its business model is fundamentally different from a traditional sportsbook. The company maintains that it operates a prediction market, where users trade contracts based on the outcomes of future events rather than placing conventional bets.
The court has not yet reached a final decision, leaving Polymarket’s legal status in Italy unresolved.
Why is Polymarket restricted?
Polymarket is a blockchain-based prediction market that allows users to buy and sell “Yes” and “No” contracts tied to future events.
However, Italian regulations generally classify platforms that enable users to stake money on future outcomes as part of the country’s regulated gambling sector. Operators must therefore obtain a license from ADM to legally offer such services.
Because Polymarket does not hold an Italian gaming license, it cannot fully operate in the country. Even when the website is technically accessible, Italian users are generally unable to trade and can only view markets for informational purposes.
Similar regulatory restrictions have also been imposed on Polymarket in France, Switzerland, and Australia.