MV Capital - France Blocks Polymarket as Gambling Regulator Orders ISP Access Ban

France’s National Gambling Authority has directed internet service providers to block access to the prediction market platform, citing unauthorized gambling operations and related risks

Regulatory Action in France

France’s Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) issued an order requiring internet service providers to geoblock Polymarket. The regulator determined that the platform promotes illegal gambling services without proper authorization under French law.

The ANJ noted significant traffic from French users, with 578,751 visits and 205,057 unique visitors recorded in June. This occurred despite previous measures, including a payments ban implemented in late 2024.

Key FactsANJ classifies prediction markets as unauthorized gambling when not licensed.
Advertising or displaying odds for such sites can result in fines up to €100,000.
The block follows failed attempts to restrict access through payments and other limits.

Concerns Raised by the Regulator

The ANJ highlighted several issues with the platform’s operations. It pointed to features that resemble regulated gambling but lack standard consumer protections. The authority also expressed worries about potential outcome manipulation.

“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.”ANJ Press Release

An investigation by the cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, started in May 2026, identified a lack of identity verification measures. The ANJ stated the platform does not implement sufficient checks for users in France and Europe.

Context Within Prediction Markets

Prediction markets enable trading on event outcomes, including elections, sports, and economic indicators. Polymarket has seen substantial trading volumes in recent years. However, regulators in multiple countries view these activities as falling under gambling rules.

France first signaled plans to restrict the platform in November 2024. The latest ISP-level block represents an escalation after earlier restrictions proved insufficient.

Global DevelopmentsPolymarket reports geoblocking in 36 regions, including several European countries.
Other nations such as Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, and Ukraine have taken similar steps.
In the US, debates continue between state gambling rules and federal oversight of event contracts.

Broader Regulatory Trends

Authorities in various jurisdictions are examining prediction platforms for compliance with local gambling, financial, and consumer protection standards. France’s action aligns with efforts to enforce licensing requirements and address manipulation risks.

The ANJ emphasized that unauthorized sites pose challenges due to missing safeguards present in regulated gambling markets. This includes concerns over addictive elements and data integrity in certain contracts.

Aspect	Details
Traffic Impact	High French visitor numbers persisted post-payments ban
Legal Basis	Unauthorized gambling promotion under French law
Enforcement	ISP-level geoblocking ordered by ANJ