The gambling regulator ordered internet service providers to restrict access, citing illegal gambling, advertising concerns and manipulation risks as the prediction market drew more than 578,000 French visits in June.
France is moving to block access to Polymarket after the country’s National Gaming Authority ordered internet service providers on July 16 to restrict the site, citing illegal gambling, advertising concerns and market manipulation risks. The move comes days before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina and follows a trading restriction imposed after formal notice in November 2024. Despite allowing French users only to view markets since then, Polymarket still recorded about 578,751 visits and 205,057 unique visitors in France last month. The platform’s World Cup winner market has generated more than $4 billion in cumulative trading volume, while rival Kalshi has handled more than $1.27 billion in trading tied to the final. France’s regulator said visible real-time odds on Polymarket’s homepage amounted to advertising for an unlicensed gambling service, a violation that can carry a fine of up to 100,000 euros. The block will remain in place until the company complies with local regulations, as European pressure also builds through similar access restrictions in the Czech Republic and Portugal.