France is taking a firmer stance against access to Polymarket, a prediction market platform, by ordering internet service providers (ISPs) to block the site. This decision comes from the Autorité Nationale Des Jeux (ANJ), the independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing licensed gambling and betting activities in the country.
Previous Regulatory Actions
This latest directive follows a prior action from November 2024, when the ANJ implemented a geoblock on financial transactions involving French residents on Polymarket. Despite these restrictions, the platform has reportedly continued to attract users in France, with the ANJ noting that Polymarket recorded 578,751 visits in June 2026, including 205,057 unique visits from French users.
Legal Implications and Penalties
The ANJ has reiterated its position that Polymarket operates as an illegal gambling site. Under the new measures, individuals found advertising unauthorized betting platforms could face fines of up to 100,000 euros, approximately $114,000. This regulatory tightening reflects a broader trend in Europe regarding the scrutiny of online gambling platforms.
International Context
France is not alone in its regulatory actions. In Spain, authorities have also mandated the blocking of Polymarket and another platform, Kalshi, as they investigate potential violations of local gambling laws. Meanwhile, in the United States, Minnesota has enacted a bill prohibiting prediction markets, with other states pursuing legal actions against both Polymarket and Kalshi.
Market Impact
The ANJ’s intensified measures against Polymarket signify a growing regulatory landscape for online gambling and prediction markets in Europe and beyond. As authorities continue to clamp down on these platforms, the implications for user access and market operations could be significant.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
