TLDR
- France’s National Gambling Authority ordered ISPs to block Polymarket on July 16, 2026
- The regulator cited illegal gambling, addictive features, and lack of user protections
- Weather-related bets raised manipulation fears, triggering a Paris cybercrime investigation
- Polymarket is now geoblocked in 36 regions worldwide, including Spain, Singapore, and Brazil
- In the US, Kentucky and 17 other states have sued prediction market platforms including Polymarket
France has ordered internet service providers to block Polymarket, the popular prediction market platform, citing illegal gambling and concerns over outcome manipulation.
France Blocks Access to Polymarket Website
According to Reuters, France’s gambling regulator ANJ has ordered internet service providers to block access to prediction market platform Polymarket, alleging that it offers illegal gambling services. The regulator said the platform… pic.twitter.com/5r6vEJslDP
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 18, 2026
France’s Gambling Regulator Acts
The Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) issued the block on July 16, 2026. The regulator said Polymarket operates without authorization in France and that advertising unlicensed gambling sites is a criminal offense carrying fines of up to 100,000 euros ($114,000).
The ANJ said the platform has “addictive features” similar to regulated gambling but without the legal protections that licensed operators must follow.
France had signaled its intent to act as far back as November 2024, when it first announced plans to block the platform for failing to comply with national gambling laws.
Manipulation Concerns Sparked Criminal Investigation
The regulator pointed to specific concerns about outcome manipulation. It said some bets on weather outcomes appeared to be rigged, with evidence suggesting weather sensors may have been hacked.
The cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the matter in May 2026.
Investigators also found that Polymarket lacked proper identity verification, including Know Your Customer checks.
Polymarket’s Growing Global Footprint — and Legal Troubles
Polymarket lets users buy and sell contracts tied to future events, from elections and sports to economic data. The platform has grown quickly, with a source telling Reuters its annualized revenue has surpassed $1 billion.
But that growth has brought regulatory pressure. The platform is now blocked in 36 regions, including Singapore, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Ukraine, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Spain temporarily banned Polymarket and rival Kalshi in May 2026. In June, the top US derivatives regulator released new draft rules for the prediction market industry.
Kentucky sued Polymarket, Kalshi, and three other platforms in June 2026, accusing them of running unlicensed sports betting operations. At least 17 other states followed with similar lawsuits.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has pushed back, suing those states and arguing it holds exclusive federal authority over regulated event contracts.
Polymarket’s Response
Polymarket did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the French block. The ANJ said the block will remain in place for as long as the platform is considered noncompliant with French gambling rules.
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