France has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, an online prediction market, following claims that the platform continues to operate within the country despite existing restrictions. The decision came on Friday, July 17, 2026, as authorities cited ongoing activity from French users and alleged violations of gambling regulations. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) announced that Polymarket’s website will now be inaccessible to users in France. This follows a November 2024 ban on financial transactions involving the platform from French accounts. Despite these measures, the ANJ reported that visits from French IP addresses to Polymarket increased significantly, reaching 578,751 in June 2026 alone. The regulator argued that the site’s real-time updating of betting odds constitutes unauthorized advertising, violating legal standards. Under French law, promoting unlicensed gambling platforms is considered a criminal offense, with potential fines up to €100,000. The ANJ stated that Polymarket operates as one of several online prediction markets allowing individuals to wager on the outcomes of future events. These platforms function similarly to traditional bookmakers but often cover a broader range of topics, including political developments, weather forecasts, and even military operations. In April 2026, France’s weather agency, Meteo-France, filed a complaint alleging that one of its weather probes had been hacked to manipulate bets on Polymarket. An investigation into the incident was launched by the Paris prosecutor’s office under the Office Against Cybercrime (OFAC). The issue of prediction markets has drawn attention beyond France. A U.S. soldier faces federal charges for allegedly using classified information to place bets on markets linked to the January 2026 operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. According to prosecutors, the individual reportedly earned over $400,000 through these illegal activities. Additionally, the White House recently suspended a teleprompter operator over allegations that they placed bets on the content of former President Donald Trump’s speeches via a prediction market. French regulators are not alone in their concerns. Several other European nations, including Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Romania, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic, have either restricted or banned access to similar platforms. The ANJ emphasized that while France permits online sports betting, prediction markets remain a gray area due to their unique blend of speculative and informational elements. The ANJ highlighted that the growing interest in prediction markets has prompted regulatory scrutiny globally. However, the hybrid nature of these platforms, combining elements of finance, data analysis, and social forecasting, has led to varied approaches among governments. Some jurisdictions view them as legitimate tools for risk assessment, while others, like France, see them as potential threats to public safety and data integrity. As enforcement actions continue, the impact on users and operators of prediction markets remains uncertain. While some argue that these platforms offer valuable insights into societal trends, critics warn of the risks associated with misuse, particularly when sensitive information is involved. With increasing regulatory pressure, the future of prediction markets in France, and elsewhere, will likely depend on how effectively authorities can balance innovation with oversight.
4 reports
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenter7 hr. agoFrance has ordered internet service providers to block access to the prediction market Polymarket, citing violations of gambling regulations. The National Gaming Authority (ANJ) stated that the site's real-time betting odds constitute unauthorized advertising, which is a criminal offense. Despite a previous ban on financial transactions from French accounts, visits to Polymarket from French IP addresses increased to 578,751 last month. The move follows reports of hacking incidents linked to the platform, including a case involving France's weather agency Meteo-France and a U.S. soldier accused of using classified information for betting. Other European nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain also restrict similar platforms, though France permits online sports betting.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the regulatory action taken by France's National Gaming Authority (ANJ) against Polymarket as a legal enforcement measure, without overtly endorsing or criticizing the policy. It provides factual background on the issue, including international comparisons and examples of misuse
20 MinutesIndependentCenter8 hr. agoThe French government has blocked access to Polymarket, a website offering sports betting and live event wagering. The move comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of online gambling platforms in France. Polymarket operates as a legal entity within the country but faces restrictions due to evolving laws on responsible gaming and financial regulation. Users attempting to access the site report being redirected to error pages, indicating enforcement of the ban. This action reflects broader efforts by French authorities to control digital services deemed risky to consumers.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on government action against a domestic platform without overtly criticizing or praising the decision. It focuses on the regulatory context and technical implementation of the block, avoiding ideological framing. The tone remains neutral, emphasizing legal and合规
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter9 hr. ago France completely blocks access to Polymarket news betting siteThe French National Gambling Authority (ANC) has completely blocked access to Polymarket, a prediction market platform, citing that its display of odds constitutes illegal promotion of unauthorized gambling activities. The ANC previously prohibited financial transactions on the platform since November 2024 but allowed continued access to its homepage. The authority argues that showcasing real-time betting odds amounts to advertising an unlawful service. Several European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Romania, have already restricted or banned similar platforms. The ANC emphasizes that promoting unauthorized online gambling services is a criminal offense punishable by fines up to 100,000 euros. In April, Météo-France filed a complaint alleging that Polymarket altered weather measurement devices linked to online betting, leading to an investigation into potential hacking of meteorological sensors. The ANC notes growing regulatory interest in prediction markets but highlights the varied approaches across jurisdictions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about regulatory actions taken by the French National Gambling Authority against Polymarket without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on legal restrictions, international comparisons, and technical concerns without taking a clear ideological
LibérationIndependentCenter9 hr. agoThe French gambling authority has ordered the blocking of the online betting site Polymarket within France. The decision comes as part of regulatory efforts to enforce legal frameworks surrounding online gambling. The move affects users in France who attempt to access the platform, effectively preventing them from engaging in such activities. This action reflects ongoing tensions between online gaming operators and regulators concerning compliance with local laws.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on a regulatory decision without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on the actions of the French gambling authority rather than expressing opinion or taking sides in the broader debate over online gambling regulation.
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