France’s gambling authority, ANJ, has instructed internet service providers to block Polymarket, a popular prediction market platform, due to illegal gambling concerns. This decision follows a two-year investigation into Adventure One, the parent company of Polymarket. ANJ’s president utilized administrative powers to cut off French access to the site, citing unlicensed gambling operations as the primary reason.
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Investigation Outcomes
Polymarket, known for hosting bets on events ranging from elections to weather, attracted ANJ’s scrutiny in late 2024. And despite receiving a warning, the company only implemented partial IP address blocks, which many French users managed to bypass. According to ANJ, in June 2026 alone, Polymarket logged nearly 579,000 visits, with over 200,000 unique French users. Still, this traffic has led to increased concerns over promotion of unlicensed odds, deemed illegal in France.
ANJ Concerns and Legal Actions
ANJ outlined several issues with Polymarket’s operations. Firstly, the services are unauthorized under French law and pose risks related to addiction and market integrity. The display of odds is seen as a major promotional tool, with potential to manipulate the data. Additionally, the platform hasn’t enforced effective KYC procedures, violating both French and EU regulations. The regulator’s concerns have already spurred investigative action from the Paris public prosecutorβs cybercrime unit, leading to an inquiry handled by the Office Anti-cybercriminalitΓ© (OFAC).
Broader European Regulatory Trends
The crackdown on prediction markets isn’t isolated to France. Across Europe, countries like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands have imposed similar restrictions on such platforms. A coalition of nine European regulators recently announced a joint initiative to tackle unlicensed prediction markets continent-wide. Their primary concern is consumer risk, especially without mandatory betting limits or cooling-off periodsβa pattern regulators have flagged before. Despite these moves, Gibraltar is taking a different approach by establishing a regulatory framework that addresses market risks and participant protection.
Next Steps for Polymarket
With the access block in place, Polymarket faces major challenges in continuing its operations within France. The site’s ability to adapt to these restrictions will likely determine its future in the market. Meanwhile, the ANJ’s decision exemplifies a broader stance against unregulated gambling activities, a trend that’s gaining traction across Europe. Whether Polymarket can navigate this regulatory market remains uncertain.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
