Taiwan Blocks Kalshi and Coinbase Websites Ahead of Local Elections

Taiwan’s communications regulator has blocked the websites of prediction market exchange Kalshi and cryptocurrency platform Coinbase following an order from a New Taipei court.

This follows a move by Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau against the platforms for suspected violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act prohibiting profit-based gambling on election outcomes. Restrictions were requested to protect election integrity and prevent “overseas interference.”

Taiwan will hold polls on 28 November 2026 to elect local government officials including city mayors, county magistrates and local councillors. Under a 2023 amendment to the election act anyone placing bets on election results faces up to six months in prison while those offering the bets can receive up to five years.

Kalshi has denied that it allows trading in Taiwan. Coinbase is investigating the matter after users reported access issues. Kalshi joins Polymarket among the trading platforms now blocked by authorities in Taiwan.

Enforcement Under the Election Act

The Criminal Investigation Bureau’s request and the court order reflect a direct application of the amended statute to both prediction markets and crypto platforms. Bloomberg reported the blocks target profit-based election gambling that authorities view as a vector for overseas interference in the upcoming local votes.

The Enforcement Signal

Taiwan’s regulators have moved decisively across platform types to enforce the Public Officials Election and Recall Act in the run-up to 28 November 2026. Prediction market operators and crypto exchanges face immediate access restrictions when local rules on election betting are engaged.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.