France Intensifies Online Gambling Restrictions: Polymarket Faces New Barriers
France’s regulatory body takes a stronger stance against unauthorized prediction markets by mandating ISPs to block access to Polymarket.
In a formidable move to strengthen its online gambling regulations, France’s Autorité Nationale Des Jeux (ANJ) has ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to restrict access to Polymarket, an online prediction market that has been gaining traction among users. This decision marks a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to curb illegal gambling activities.
Previously, the ANJ implemented geoblocking measures in November 2024, which halted financial transactions from French users on the Polymarket site. However, despite these restrictions, the platform continued to attract a substantial number of visitors—reportedly over half a million in June alone, with around 205,000 unique users circumventing the block. The surge in activity raised alarms at the ANJ, prompting them to reiterate that Polymarket operates outside legal boundaries in France.
The new regulations are severe: individuals found promoting unauthorized betting or gambling sites could face fines reaching up to €100,000 (approximately $114,000). France isn’t alone in its crackdown; neighboring Spain has also initiated measures to block both Polymarket and Kalshi, while investigating potential violations of national gambling legislation.
In the United States, the landscape is similarly contentious. States like Minnesota have enacted laws prohibiting the operation of prediction markets, while others are engaged in legal battles against Polymarket and Kalshi for allegedly operating without proper licenses.
As regulatory bodies around the world tighten their grip on online gambling platforms, the outcome remains uncertain for users and operators alike. The ANJ’s decisive actions serve as a robust warning that the legal landscape for online betting is continuing to evolve rapidly.