France is tightening its crackdown on Polymarket, the blockchain-based prediction market platform. The Autorité Nationale Des Jeux (ANJ), the country's independent gambling regulator, has ordered internet service providers to block access to the Polymarket website. This decision follows a previous ban on financial transactions imposed in November 2024, which failed to curb the platform's growth in the country.
Financial block proves ineffective as ANJ escalates measures
In November 2024, the ANJ placed a geoblock on financial transactions from French residents on Polymarket, effectively prohibiting any deposits or withdrawals. However, despite the ban, the platform continued to thrive as users circumvented the restriction using VPNs or alternative payment methods. According to ANJ data, in June 2026 Polymarket recorded 578,751 visits from France, including 205,057 unique visitors. This persistence prompted the regulator to move to a full site block, ordering ISPs to prevent direct access.
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Fines up to 100,000 euros for advertising unauthorized gambling sites
The ANJ also warned that anyone caught advertising unauthorized betting or gambling sites could face fines up to 100,000 euros (approximately $114,000). This move is part of a broader crackdown on prediction market platforms, which are considered illegal under French gambling law. France is not alone in this fight: Spain has recently ordered blocks on both Polymarket and Kalshi while investigating whether they violate Spanish gambling laws. In the United States, Minnesota has passed a bill banning prediction markets in the state, while other jurisdictions are filing lawsuits against Polymarket and Kalshi.
Global regulatory pressure mounts on prediction markets
Prediction markets, which allow users to bet on the outcome of future events such as elections or sports results, are facing increasing regulatory opposition worldwide. The ANJ argues that Polymarket constitutes an illegal gambling site because it lacks a French license. The platform, popular for its political bets, drew regulatory attention after a surge in traffic during the 2024 US elections. Despite restrictions, Polymarket remains accessible via VPN, but the ISP block aims to significantly reduce French visitor numbers.
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For more on regulatory challenges in tech, read about Apple Tests AI-Powered Live Notes to Transcribe Genius Bar Repairs and Spotify adds a toggle to disable music videos entirely in its settings. For further context on gambling regulation, see the Wikipedia page on ANJ.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2218130/france-doubles-down-on-restricting-access-to-polymarket
