Taiwan Blocks Coinbase and Kalshi Over Election Betting

Taiwan has blocked domestic access to cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and prediction market platform Kalshi following a court order concerning suspected illegal election betting ahead of the November 28, 2026, local elections. According to CryptoNews, the Criminal Investigation Bureau requested the restrictions after identifying suspected violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, as reported in an October 16 New Taipei court ruling.

Website Restrictions and Platform Responses

Users in Taiwan began reporting website access problems on October 14. Coinbase confirmed it was investigating the disruption, while Kalshi stated that its trading services were not available to customers in Taiwan. The court order authorized Taiwan’s communications regulator and internet registry to prevent users from accessing both platforms.

Authorities stated that the restrictions were sought to protect election integrity and prevent overseas interference. The Criminal Investigation Bureau raised concerns about online betting activity breaching laws regarding political outcomes. Previously, Taiwan also blocked Polymarket over similar election gambling concerns.

Legal Framework and Penalties

Taiwan strengthened its election gambling restrictions in June 2023 by amending laws governing presidential and local elections. Under Article 103-1 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, individuals found guilty of placing prohibited election bets can face imprisonment of up to six months, while those operating gambling businesses for profit face sentences of up to five years. The rules cover traditional gambling operations alongside bets conducted through electronic communications and the internet.

Key facts

• Taiwan blocked domestic access to Coinbase and Kalshi following a court order issued ahead of the November 28, 2026, local elections.
• The Criminal Investigation Bureau requested the restrictions under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.
• Coinbase confirmed users reported access problems starting October 14, while Kalshi stated trading is unavailable in Taiwan.
• Amended election betting laws carry penalties of up to five years in prison for operators of illegal gambling businesses for profit.