France's Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, citing illegal gambling operations. The National Gambling Authority announced the decision in a Friday press release, stating that prediction websites constitute illegal gambling under French law. Polymarket's operations are not authorized in France, and advertising unauthorized gambling sites carries criminal penalties with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($114,000). The regulator cited the platform's addictive features and absence of protective mechanisms found in legal gambling markets as key concerns.
ANJ Orders ISP Blocks on Polymarket for Unauthorized Gambling Operations
The ANJ announced that Polymarket's operations are not authorized in France. The regulator stated that advertising unauthorized gambling sites constitutes a criminal offense with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($114,000). France's gambling regulator first shared plans to block the platform in November 2024 for failing to comply with national gambling laws.
Prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to the outcomes of future events, from elections and sporting events to economic data and geopolitical developments. Polymarket has surged in popularity over the past two years, with billions of dollars in trading volume.
Polymarket Faces Geoblocking in 36 Regions Globally
Countries that blocked access to Polymarket include Singapore, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Ukraine, Brazil and Indonesia. At press time, Polymarket said it was geoblocked in 36 regions.
French Regulator Cites Outcome Manipulation and Missing Identity Verification
France's gambling authority said Polymarket boasts "addictive features" that are similar to regulated gambling offerings, but "amplified by the absence of the protective mechanisms found in the legal gambling market."
The regulator cited potential outcome manipulation tied to some event contracts on Polymarket. The ANJ stated: "Some of the bets offered on this platform appeared to be rigged: for example, bets on the weather revealed that weather sensors may have been hacked."
The cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into this matter in May 2026 and found a lack of identity verification, such as Know Your Customer checks.
US States and CFTC Launch Legal Actions Against Prediction Platforms
On June 17, Kentucky sued five prediction market platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, accusing them of operating unlicensed sports betting platforms. At least 17 other states have followed suit.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued eight states, arguing they had interfered with the federal regulator's exclusive authority over federally regulated event contracts.
FAQ
What action did France's ANJ take against Polymarket?
France's Autorité nationale des jeux ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, citing that prediction websites constitute illegal gambling under French law. The regulator stated that Polymarket's operations are not authorized in France and that advertising unauthorized gambling sites carries criminal penalties with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($114,000).
How many regions currently block access to Polymarket?
At press time, Polymarket said it was geoblocked in 36 regions. Countries that blocked access include Singapore, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Ukraine, Brazil and Indonesia. France's gambling regulator first shared plans to block the platform in November 2024.
What concerns did French regulators cite about Polymarket's operations?
The ANJ cited addictive features similar to regulated gambling offerings but amplified by the absence of protective mechanisms. The regulator also noted potential outcome manipulation, stating that some bets appeared rigged, such as weather bets where sensors may have been hacked. The Paris Public Prosecutor's cybercrime unit launched an investigation in May 2026 and found a lack of identity verification such as Know Your Customer checks.
