Italian football club SS Lazio and prediction market platform Polymarket have terminated their sponsorship contract by mutual agreement. The platform was blocked by the country's regulator.
Italy's Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) added Polymarket to its list of prohibited sites on 10 July. The platform has been inaccessible to Italian users since 27 July. Lazio cited 'new rules from competent authorities that changed the regulatory environment' as the reason for ending the deal. Italy has banned gambling advertising and sponsorship since 2018 under the Decreto Dignità law.
The contract was signed in April. Polymarket became the club's official sponsor and fan analytics partner in a deal worth more than $22 million plus performance bonuses. Under the termination terms, Polymarket will pay the full amount owed for the 2026/27 season. Both parties said they would return to talks if regulation changes.
Italy is not the only market that has blocked Polymarket. Spain, the Czech Republic and France have also restricted access over non-compliance with gambling rules. Regulators point to consumer protection and unlicensed activity. In June, nine European authorities launched a coordinated campaign against prediction markets.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has called on the government to reconsider the betting advertising ban. The federation argues the restrictions deprive clubs of sponsorship revenue and put Serie A at a disadvantage compared to other top European leagues.
