Today in crypto, Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has blacklisted leading prediction market Polymarket, crypto market sentiment remains in fear following clarity on trade relations between the US and China. Meanwhile, European Central Bank head touts CBDC as symbol of ‘trust.’
Romania blacklists Polymarket for illegal crypto betting amid $600M election wagers
Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has blacklisted leading prediction market Polymarket, calling it an unlicensed gambling platform operating outside state oversight.
The decision follows what regulators described as a surge in crypto-based betting during Romania’s presidential and local elections, where Polymarket’s trading volume reportedly exceeded $600 million, according to a recent statement from the regulator.
ONJN added that the platform’s activity constitutes “counterpart betting,” meaning users wager money against one another on the outcomes of future events, a model that falls squarely under gambling laws, regardless of its blockchain-based format.
ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare stressed that the move “is not about technology, but about the law.” He said that whether bets are made in lei or crypto, they still qualify as gambling and must be licensed.
Crypto market sentiment stays in ‘Fear’ following Trump’s deal with China
A widely used crypto market sentiment indicator has remained in uncertain territory despite improved clarity on trade relations between US and China, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a trade deal this week.
However, some crypto analysts suggest the announcement could soon have a positive impact on the crypto market.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index, which measures overall crypto market sentiment, posted a “Fear” score of 37 on Sunday, up 4 points from its “Fear” score of 33 on Saturday. The slight uptick comes as the White House released a comprehensive statement outlining the trade agreement reached between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“A massive victory that safeguards US economic strength and national security while putting American workers, farmers, and families first,” The White House said in a statement on Saturday.
European Central Bank head touts CBDC as symbol of ‘trust’
European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde said on Friday that the digital euro, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), is a “symbol of trust,” and that the ECB is aiming to launch it “as early as possible.”
Lagarde said that traditional “banknotes” would continue to circulate and that the digital euro CBDC would function like cash but for online payments. She continued:
“This is a big project because the euro is our currency, your currency. It brings us together. It’s a symbol of trust in our common destiny, so off we go with the digital euro in the next and final phase of preparation.”
The announcement drew significant backlash from the crypto community, which views CBDCs as antithetical to cryptocurrency and the core ethos of permissionless, decentralized finance (DeFi).
