French regulators block access to Polymarket and the legal debate over prediction markets: Gambling or information?

On July 17, 2026, French internet service providers (ISPs) received an order from the National Gaming Authority (ANJ) to block access to Polymarket. This measure was implemented abruptly ahead of the World Cup final, as regulators determined that the platform constitutes an unlicensed gambling operation. French authorities cited the platform's failure to comply with local laws as the primary basis for the block.

In an official statement on July 22, 2026, Polymarket expressed surprise at the decision and declared its intention to pursue a legal battle in French courts. As the world's largest decentralized prediction market, Polymarket maintains that it is an essential information source, not a simple gambling site. The platform's leadership criticized the blocking measure as an act that hinders the free flow of information and vowed to seek legal remedies.

The ANJ pointed out that despite using cryptocurrency, Polymarket effectively provides gambling activities. Under French law, providing unlicensed gambling services is illegal, and authorities explained that the block was necessary for consumer protection and anti-money laundering efforts. In particular, the regulators emphasized the high risk of significant financial loss for French users on the platform, demonstrating a strong commitment to regulation.

Polymarket is not just a betting site; it is an essential information source that combines public opinion and data to show the probabilities of events. We plan to take legal action against the French authorities' sudden blocking measure.

Regulators also warned that Polymarket is dangerous from a consumer protection standpoint. The high potential for users to suffer massive financial losses in the prediction market and the lack of guaranteed transparency in platform operations were presented as key grounds for the block. The ANJ reaffirmed that the platform is operating without a legal license in France, which is a clear violation of the law.

Concerns Regarding Lack of Integrity and Market Manipulation

The ANJ pointed out that Polymarket's market integrity is vulnerable, citing specific examples. In particular, it analyzed that betting markets on certain events, such as weather, could be exposed to manipulation, which harms a fair market environment. Regulatory authorities viewed that such potential for market manipulation could cause unfair harm to general users and that there is a high risk of distorting the results of prediction markets.

• Allegations of unauthorized operation under French gambling laws
• Measures to prevent financial loss for user protection
• Pointing out the possibility of market manipulation and lack of integrity
• Existence of inappropriate event contracts such as weather

Polymarket is directly refuting these claims by the authorities. The platform argues that prediction markets often provide more accurate forecasts than expert opinions, making them socially useful data. Furthermore, it emphasized that the prediction data it provides is used as an important reference by the media and analysts, explaining that it is distinct from simple gambling services.

The issue of equity with its competitor, Kalshi, has also been raised. Criticism has emerged that it is inconsistent law enforcement that only Polymarket was blocked, while Kalshi was excluded from regulation despite continuing its advertising activities in France during the World Cup. This leads to suspicions that regulatory authorities targeted a specific platform without clear standards for 'event contracts,' and it is emerging as a legal issue.

Regulatory Fragmentation in Europe and Future Outlook

Currently, there is no unified regulatory framework for prediction markets within the European Union (EU). Countries such as Belgium, Italy, Poland, and Romania have already defined and banned Polymarket as an unauthorized gambling platform, while some regions like Gibraltar have issued prediction market licenses under existing gambling regulations. This regulatory fragmentation is a factor increasing legal uncertainty for cryptocurrency-based platforms operating in the European market.

Polymarket plans to file a lawsuit with a French court seeking to suspend the effect of this blocking order. The outcome of this lawsuit is expected to have a significant impact on the regulatory direction of other countries in Europe in the future. The platform is determined to prove through legal proceedings that its service is an information provision service rather than gambling, and this is expected to be an important test bed between decentralized technology and traditional regulation.

If legal action fails, Polymarket will face a crossroads: either withdraw completely from the French market or obtain the level of licensing required by regulatory authorities. As French authorities have enforced technical blocking, the room for compromise between the two sides appears narrow, but Polymarket is maintaining a firm stance to protect its position in the global market. This legal battle, which is expected to continue until the second half of 2026, is drawing the attention of the global cryptocurrency industry.