France's gambling regulator, Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ), has mandated internet service providers to block access to the prediction market platform Polymarket starting July 16, 2026, citing unauthorized gambling operations and consumer protection breaches.
The ANJ accused Polymarket of operating without a valid license in France and offering gambling services that include addictive features typically found in regulated gaming environments. The regulator highlighted the platform’s failure to implement required safeguards such as Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, which are mandatory under French law.
Authorities also expressed serious concerns about alleged manipulation of weather-based wagers on Polymarket, which triggered a criminal investigation by the Paris cybercrime division in May 2026. This probe focuses on potential tampering with meteorological sensors affecting wager outcomes.
Polymarket’s rapid growth, with annual revenues reportedly exceeding $1 billion according to Reuters sources, has drawn regulatory attention not only in France but worldwide. The platform currently faces access restrictions in 36 jurisdictions including Spain, Singapore, and Brazil. Concurrently, 18 US states led by Kentucky are pursuing legal action against operators of prediction markets, including Polymarket.
The ANJ first announced plans to block Polymarket back in November 2024 due to the platform’s noncompliance with domestic gambling laws. Under French regulations, offering unauthorized gambling can result in fines up to 100,000 euros ($114,000).
Polymarket allows users to trade contracts on outcomes of future events such as elections, sports, and economic indicators, expanding its user base but attracting increased scrutiny from global regulators.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
