French Regulators Move to Block Polymarket Over Gambling Law Violations

The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has officially moved to restrict access to the decentralized prediction market platform, Polymarket, citing concerns over unauthorized gambling activities. According to reports, the regulator has issued an order requiring French internet service providers to block access to the platform’s website, aiming to prevent local users from participating in its betting pools. Polymarket has seen a significant surge in global popularity throughout 2024, particularly due to its high-profile prediction markets surrounding the U.S. presidential election. However, the ANJ claims that the platform functions as an unlicensed gambling site under French law. The regulator noted that it is currently reviewing the platform's overall operations, emphasizing that users in France are accessing services that do not comply with the strict regulatory framework governing online gaming and sports betting in the country. This move comes as part of a broader regulatory crackdown on decentralized finance (DeFi) and crypto-based betting platforms across Europe. While Polymarket operates on a blockchain-based infrastructure, French authorities are increasingly asserting their jurisdiction over services that offer financial incentives linked to real-world outcomes. For French users, the block presents a significant hurdle, forcing many to consider the legal implications of utilizing VPNs to circumvent the restrictions. Polymarket has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific enforcement measures initiated by the French authorities, but the development underscores the growing tension between borderless crypto protocols and localized national gambling regulations.