France Blocks Access to Polymarket Prediction Market

France announced on Friday that it was blocking access to the U.S.-based prediction‑market platform Polymarket after users continued placing bets despite a pre‑existing ban. The French regulator said the measure was necessary to enforce the prohibition, which had been in effect for several weeks, and to prevent further violations by punters who had been accessing the site through circumvention tools.

Polymarket, known for allowing wagers on political events, sports outcomes and other real‑world scenarios, had been prohibited in France because it operates without a license from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). The ban was part of a broader effort to curb unlicensed online gambling and protect consumers from potentially predatory betting services. By cutting off internet access to the platform, French authorities aim to ensure compliance with national gambling regulations and reduce the availability of illicit betting options.

The enforcement action underscores France’s commitment to tightening controls on online gambling. With the block in place, the government signals its determination to uphold the ban and prevent further exploitation of unlicensed markets by French users.