Key facts
- Taiwanese authorities blocked access to Coinbase and Kalshi websites.
- The blocks are due to suspected for-profit gambling tied to election outcomes.
- A New Taipei court authorized the restrictions.
- Bettors risk up to six months in prison under a 2023 election law amendment.
- Operators face sentences of up to five years.
Taiwan has blocked domestic access to Coinbase and prediction market platform Kalshi, citing suspicions of for-profit gambling tied to election outcomes. A New Taipei court authorized the restrictions following a request from Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, weeks before the island’s local elections on November 28. Authorities cited violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. Some Coinbase users in Taiwan reported losing website access as early as October 14. The Criminal Investigation Bureau framed the blocks as necessary to prevent overseas interference ahead of city-level elections. Under a 2023 amendment to the election law, bettors risk up to six months in prison, while operators face sentences of up to five years. Taiwanese authorities have also warned that funds from mainland China could flow through underground financial channels to influence the vote. This action adds to regulatory friction facing prediction markets globally, with Coinbase and Kalshi facing legal challenges in the United States and scrutiny from New York City’s council.