France’s national gambling authority, the Autorite Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has instructed the country’s internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market platform. The regulator cited concerns over illegal gambling activities and potential market manipulation.
The ANJ argued that Polymarket operates as an unlicensed gambling service under French law, offering binary-option-style contracts on real-world events without the required authorisation. The platform allows users to trade on outcomes ranging from political elections to sports results using cryptocurrency, which French authorities view as falling under gambling regulations.
The decision represents one of the most significant actions taken by a European regulator against the rapidly growing prediction market sector. Polymarket has seen a surge in activity throughout 2026, with trading volumes reaching record levels as users flocked to event-based contracts. France had previously attempted to block payment flows to the platform, but the latest order targets access at the network infrastructure level.
France joins a growing list of jurisdictions scrutinising prediction markets. ESMA recently warned that many event-based contracts may fall under the EU ban on marketing binary options to retail investors. South Korea and several US states have also taken action against Polymarket, while the platform has faced legal challenges from traders over contract resolution disputes.
The ANJ order requires French ISPs to implement geoblocking measures preventing users from reaching the Polymarket website. According to data cited by the regulator, the platform attracted approximately 120,000 monthly visitors from France before the block.
Polymarket has previously taken steps to restrict access from certain jurisdictions but has continued to operate in markets where regulations remain unclear. The company has applied for a US license to offer margin trading and has sought to position itself within existing regulatory frameworks.
This article was adapted from Cointelegraph. Read the original here.
