In a decisive move to curb unauthorized betting activities, the Autorit\u00e9 Nationale des Jeux (ANJ)-France\u2019s primary gambling watchdog-has officially mandated that domestic internet service providers (ISPs) restrict access to the prediction platform Polymarket. By reclassifying the site as an unlicensed gambling operator rather than a legitimate financial exchange, the regulator has effectively signaled the end of its open availability within the country.<\/p>\n
\nThe regulatory intervention stems from several critical compliance failures identified by the ANJ. Officials highlighted the following primary concerns: \nDespite a formal prohibition on financial transactions involving the platform that had been in effect since November 2024, the site remained a popular destination for French users. Data provided by Similarweb underscores the scale of this non-compliance: during the month of June alone, the platform recorded over 578,000 visits from more than 200,000 unique French IP addresses. <\/p>\n While the platform had attempted to restrict direct financial interactions, the implementation was insufficient. Users frequently utilized Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask their locations, and the site\u2019s front-end interface remained fully functional, allowing individuals to monitor live odds and market fluctuations without hindrance.<\/p>\n \nFrance is far from an outlier in this decision. The move aligns the nation with a growing coalition of over 30 countries that have implemented similar restrictions against Polymarket. The global scrutiny intensified following public outcry regarding the platform\u2019s handling of sensitive topics, such as betting on extreme weather events, and concerns regarding market manipulation-most notably involving a high-profile French trader whose massive wagers significantly skewed market outcomes.<\/p>\n By forcing ISPs to block the domain, the ANJ is attempting to close the loophole that allowed the platform to operate in a legal gray area, prioritizing consumer protection over the speculative nature of decentralized prediction markets.<\/p>\n
\n* Absence of Safeguards:<\/strong> The platform lacks essential responsible gaming features, such as self-exclusion mechanisms, which are mandatory for legal betting entities in France.
\n* High-Risk Mechanics:<\/strong> The site\u2019s design incorporates elements that the regulator deems inherently addictive.
\n* Regulatory Evasion:<\/strong> A significant number of French participants were found to be circumventing existing financial barriers, rendering previous attempts to limit access ineffective.<\/p>\nThe Failure of Previous Restrictions<\/h4>\n
A Growing Global Trend<\/h4>\n