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France's gambling regulator ANJ has ordered internet service providers to block access to prediction market platform Polymarket, alleging it operates as an unlicensed gambling service. The regulator warned users could face significant gambling losses and flagged manipulation risks on certain markets. ANJ said the block stays in force until Polymarket secures compliance with French gambling rules.
Why it matters
The order is the second EU-level block on Polymarket this year after Spain temporarily banned both Polymarket and Kalshi in May. Prediction markets sit in a regulatory gray zone across Europe, where most national gambling frameworks were written before event-contract platforms existed. ANJ's framing, that any product allowing users to stake on uncertain outcomes qualifies as gambling, sets a template other EU regulators can copy quickly.
Market impact
For Polymarket, the immediate cost is reach: French users lose access overnight, and ISPs have little incentive to fight the order. The longer read is precedent. Each EU country that blocks or forces licensing tightens the operating map for US-based prediction venues and pushes them toward either jurisdictional structuring or a licensing track with traditional gambling operators. Watch for ANJ to publish the full compliance criteria, since that document will define how much room Polymarket has to return.
Frequently asked questions
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Why did France block Polymarket?
ANJ, France's gambling regulator, ordered ISPs to block the platform, alleging it operates as an unlicensed gambling service and warning of manipulation risks on certain markets.
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Is Polymarket legal in France?
No. ANJ said the block remains in place until Polymarket secures compliance with French gambling regulations.
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Has Polymarket been blocked in other European countries?
Yes. Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and Kalshi from operating in the country in May, making France the second EU jurisdiction to wall off the platform this year.
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How does ANJ's block affect French Polymarket users?
French users lose direct access to the Polymarket website overnight, with ISPs required to enforce the order.
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Can Polymarket return to the French market?
Potentially, but only if it meets ANJ's gambling compliance requirements. The regulator has not yet published the full criteria Polymarket would need to satisfy.
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