Frances gambling regulator, the ANJ (Autorite Nationale des Jeux), has ordered the countrys internet service providers to geoblock Polymarket, the popular prediction market platform. The regulator cited illegal gambling activities and market manipulation concerns as the basis for the action.
The move comes just days before the France-England World Cup third-place match, adding a layer of timing that suggests the regulator is keen to prevent betting on the high-profile fixture through unlicensed platforms. Polymarket, which allows users to wager on outcomes ranging from sports events to political elections, has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide.
The French action follows a broader European trend. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recently warned that many prediction market event contracts may already fall within the blocs existing ban on marketing binary options to retail investors. In a statement, ESMA reminded firms they must assess whether their offerings comply with EU regulations.
Polymarket has been a lightning rod for regulatory attention. Earlier this year, the platform was sued by traders over its resolution of a market on whether Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) would sell Bitcoin. The company has also applied for a US license to offer margin trading, following rival Kalshi’s launch of FCM-backed perpetuals.
For French users, the blocking order means they will need VPNs to access the site unless Polymarket reaches a regulatory accommodation. The ANJ has the authority to require ISPs to block specific URLs, and has previously blocked over 1,290 gambling-related URLs in the past year. As reported by Cointelegraph, this represents one of the most significant actions taken against a prediction market platform in Europe to date.
