France Orders ISP Block On Polymarket Access

France has dealt a blow to the prediction market sector after the country’s National Gambling Authority ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket. The agency, known as the ANJ, issued the order on July 16, labeling the platform an illegal gambling operation. The regulator cited several risks, including concerns over consumer addiction, the potential for market manipulation, and a lack of proper user verification systems.

While this order currently applies only to France, it represents a significant warning for the broader prediction market industry. These platforms often view themselves as neutral tools for forecasting real world events. However, the ANJ maintains that when users put money behind an outcome, it qualifies as gambling. This clash between decentralized platforms and local gambling laws remains a recurring hurdle for the crypto industry.

Regulators are particularly focused on how these platforms handle identity and anti money laundering checks. Because many crypto based prediction markets operate across borders without local licenses, authorities are finding it difficult to enforce traditional consumer protection standards. The threat of ISP blocking is now a clear tactic for regulators to curb access within their jurisdictions.

As the popularity of prediction markets grows, platforms will likely face increased pressure to implement strict licensing and localized controls. For now, users in France may find their access restricted, and other nations could follow suit if they decide to categorize these services under their own existing gambling frameworks.