France Blocks Polymarket Over Gambling & Manipulation Concerns

Key Highlights

It’s déjà vu for prediction markets in France, as the government recently blocked access to Polymarket due to several concerns.

French Regulators Order Nationwide Block

France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, describing the platform as an illegal gambling and betting service.

The regulator warned Polymarket could expose users to significant financial losses. It also raised concerns that, unlike traditional sports betting sites, some wagers available through the platform could be manipulated, adding another layer of scrutiny to the site’s operations. Polymarket has seen a 479% increase in French users over the past years, peaking at 205,057 unique visitors in June 2026 due in part to the World Cup.

A spokesperson for the ANJ said the block would continue for as long as Polymarket was considered noncompliant with French gambling regulations. The decision places responsibility on local internet providers to prevent users in France from reaching the website.

Prediction Markets Face Growing Oversight

Polymarket allows users to place money on the expected outcome of real-world events. Its markets cover sports, elections, international conflicts, and other political or public developments.

While prediction platforms have become increasingly popular, they’ve also drawn attention from regulators and lawmakers. Critics argue that certain contracts provide little economic value and may conflict with the public interest, particularly when they involve sensitive events or information that isn’t equally available to all participants.

France isn’t the only country examining the industry. Spain temporarily prohibited prediction markets, blocking Polymarket and rival platform Kalshi from operating in the country in May 2026. Minnesota banned prediction markets in May, and several other US states have imposed restrictions, igniting an already contentious debate between state and federal regulation of the platforms.

Weather Wagers Raise Insider Information Questions

The ANJ specifically highlighted wagers tied to weather conditions, warning that insider information may have been used in connection with wagers on future weather outcomes.

That concern reflects one of the main challenges facing event-based betting platforms. Some participants may have access to specialized knowledge, private data, or advanced information that could give them an advantage over other users.

Polymarket’s growing financial scale is likely to increase regulatory interest. A source familiar with the company’s operations said in June that its annualized revenue had exceeded $1 billion.

France doesn’t have a timetable for restoring access. The block is expected to last until regulators decide that Polymarket’s services meet the country’s gambling requirements. Until then, French users will be unable to access the platform through domestic internet providers.