The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has officially moved to restrict domestic access to Polymarket. Internet service providers across France have been ordered to implement blocks on the popular prediction market platform, marking a significant escalation in regulatory pressure.
Regulators expressed concerns regarding the site's operational model, characterizing it as an unauthorized gambling service. Under French law, platforms offering betting on real-world events must adhere to strict licensing requirements, which the decentralized platform has yet to satisfy.
Beyond licensing disputes, the ANJ highlighted risks related to market manipulation and consumer protection. By prohibiting domestic traffic, the agency aims to curb speculative activity that falls outside the scope of regulated financial and betting frameworks.
This enforcement action underscores the ongoing tension between decentralized prediction markets and legacy jurisdictional authority. As Polymarket grows in global popularity, it faces increasing friction from national bodies attempting to exert control over borderless crypto-based betting infrastructures.
