France blocks Polymarket website; company plans legal challenge

France has ordered local internet service providers to block Polymarket’s website, escalating a dispute over the crypto-based prediction market’s access to users in the country. Polymarket confirmed on July 22 that it plans to challenge the decision in court after France’s National Gambling Authority, or ANJ, directed providers to restrict access to the platform. French authorities have said Polymarket’s services could expose users to significant wagering risks and raised concerns about some contracts listed on the site. The case adds to broader regulatory pressure on event-based betting and prediction market platforms across Europe, including a temporary Spanish ban in May on both Polymarket and rival Kalshi, as regulators weigh whether such venues should be treated as gambling services or financial markets.