Woofun AI reports that France’s Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ), known as the National Gambling Authority, has directed internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, a move announced in a Friday press release.

The regulator classifies prediction websites as illegal gambling, noting that Polymarket’s operations lack authorization in France. Advertising such unauthorized sites is deemed a criminal offense, punishable by fines reaching 100,000 euros ($114,000). These platforms enable users to buy and sell contracts linked to future event outcomes, ranging from elections and sporting events to economic data and geopolitical developments. While Polymarket has amassed billions of dollars in trading volume over the past two years, it faces scrutiny over whether its contracts constitute illegal gambling or unlicensed financial products.

Structurally, this enforcement aligns with a broader global crackdown; countries including Singapore, Poland, Portugal, Hungary, Ukraine, Brazil, and Indonesia have also blocked access. At press time, Polymarket was geoblocked in 36 regions. France’s gambling regulator first outlined blocking plans in November 2024, citing non-compliance with national gambling laws. Per Woofun AI, the authority criticized the platform for "addictive features" amplified by the absence of protective mechanisms found in the legal gambling market.

Additionally, potential outcome manipulation was cited, with the cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office launching an investigation in May 2026 that revealed a lack of identity verification, such as Know Your Customer checks.

This regulatory pressure extends to the United States, where jurisdictional disputes are intensifying. On June 17, Kentucky sued five prediction market platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, accusing them of operating unlicensed sports betting platforms. At least 17 other states have followed suit. In response, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued eight states, arguing they interfered with the federal regulator’s exclusive authority over federally regulated event contracts. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict between state-level enforcement and federal oversight of emerging financial instruments.