France blocks access to Polymarket due to illegal gambling

France blocks access to the popular prediction market platform Polymarket. The French gambling regulator ANJ states that the platform offers illegal gambling services and may expose users to significant financial losses. Moreover, according to the regulator, there is a risk that certain markets on the platform could be manipulated.

French gambling authority intervenes

On 16 July 2026, the chairman of the ANJ, the national French gambling authority, orders French internet providers to block access to Polymarket. The authority states on its website that the platform attracts a particularly large audience and promotes illegal gambling and betting services.

The platform will remain blocked until Polymarket complies with French gambling legislation, according to the ANJ. Reuters reports based on an official statement from the regulator.

Not the first country to block Polymarket

France is not alone in this approach. Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and Kalshi from operating in the country earlier, in May of this year. The blocks show that European regulators are increasingly scrutinising prediction market platforms and questioning whether such services fall under existing gambling legislation.

Polymarket also faces substantive controversies. Earlier, manipulation was discovered in Bitcoin bets on the platform, further fuelling regulators’ concerns about the integrity of the markets. It remains unclear how Polymarket will respond to the French blocking order and whether the platform has plans to comply with local regulations.