Decentralized prediction market Polymarket has become inaccessible to users in the Philippines utilizing the Globe Telecom network. Visitors attempting to access the platform via Globe are currently redirected to a standard “Access Restricted” landing page hosted by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC):
The restriction notice states that the target website is unlicensed by Philippine authorities, specifically citing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). According to user testing, Polymarket remains accessible to local users connecting through internet service provider PLDT and DITO.
Previous QR Ph and Wallet Clarifications
The network restriction follows earlier developments regarding the platform’s localized payment options. On April 13, BitPinas reported that Polymarket’s updated deposit interface began displaying the “Use Cash” option, allowing for fiat deposits through the Philippines’ national QR Ph standard with an initial deposit limit of $800.00.
While initial observations suggested an integration with local e-wallets, domestic payment providers subsequently clarified to BitPinas that no formal partnerships or direct merchant integrations exist with Polymarket. The fiat-to-crypto routing and standard conversions are instead facilitated by a third-party wallet infrastructure provider known as Fun.xyz. (Read More: Polymarket Adds QR Ph as Payment Options via Third-Party Provider)
Targeted Advertising and Local Events
Prior to the access restrictions, Polymarket increased its visible outreach within the region. Throughout April, sponsored advertisements for Polymarket appeared on Meta’s Facebook platform, with some promotional materials explicitly targeted toward Chinese speakers residing in the Philippines.
The platform, which operates on the Polygon blockchain, allows participants to trade shares on the binary outcomes of global events. Recently, these options have expanded to include local political developments, featuring active contracts wagered on whether the Philippine Senate will convict Vice President Sara Duterte.
This article is published on BitPinas: Polygon-Based Polymarket Access Blocked by a Local Telco in the Philippines
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