Polymarket Battles French Authorities Over Access Ban and Market Freedom

France’s gambling regulator has defended its decision to block Polymarket, arguing that the prediction market platform continues to provide access to an unauthorized gambling service and presents risks involving financial losses, customer verification, and potential manipulation.

Polymarket is preparing to challenge the nationwide website ban, claiming the restriction goes too far because it prevents users from viewing market forecasts and probability data, despite trading from France already being disabled since November 2024.

The French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) ordered internet service providers to block the platform last week, stating that Polymarket exposed users to possible losses and offered markets that could be manipulated.

The company said it would contest the decision in French courts, calling the measure disproportionate because it affects people who use the website only for information and do not participate in trading activities.

Polymarket said it was surprised by the regulator’s move to block its entire website, noting that many visitors access the platform simply to track the likelihood of future events and better understand market expectations.

The company argued that prediction markets serve as a source of information by collecting opinions and forecasts from participants, helping users assess possible outcomes without necessarily placing trades.

At the heart of the dispute is the classification of Polymarket’s contracts. The platform describes them as blockchain-based financial products that allow users to trade directly with each other, with prices determined by supply, demand, and market activity.

Polymarket also emphasized that it does not function as a traditional sportsbook because it does not set betting odds, take the opposite side of customer trades, or benefit from specific event outcomes.

French authorities disagree, saying that Polymarket remained available after trading restrictions were introduced and continued promoting a gambling service that lacked regulatory approval.

The regulator also cited concerns about identity verification procedures and possible manipulation involving certain markets, including weather-related prediction contracts.

France’s action follows similar restrictions imposed by other countries. Ukraine ordered internet providers to block Polymarket in January, Argentina introduced restrictions in March, and Spain blocked access to both Polymarket and Kalshi in May.

The French decision represents a broader measure than the earlier trading ban. Although Polymarket had already prevented users in France from making trades since November 2024, the ANJ moved to block the entire site because users could still access market probabilities, forecasts, and other information.

Several other jurisdictions, including Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Romania, have also restricted access to Polymarket or classified it as an unauthorized gambling platform. Ukrainian officials have stated that the country currently lacks regulations that would allow the service to operate legally.

Polymarket has not confirmed whether it plans to challenge similar enforcement actions in other countries, and the company had not provided a response at the time of reporting.