France’s gambling regulator has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket. This comes days before the French national team faces England in the bronze medal match for the 2026 World Cup.
The National Gambling Authority, known as ANJ, has classified the platform as an illegal betting operation. They also point out the dangers of manipulation as interest in forecasting around constructs grows.
France’s regulatory body moves to cut off access
The head of ANJ has instructed French ISPs to block Polymarket entirely, calling the platform’s offering illegal. the organizer He said Polymarket attracts a particularly large audience while promoting illegal gambling and betting offerings.
The agency also cited manipulation risks associated with some of Polymarket’s bets. This increases pressure on a platform that faces scrutiny Polymarket banned in Europe. The Netherlands already threatened to impose heavy fines earlier this year.
A style that extends far beyond France
France now joins a long list of regulatory bodies that oppose this. Kentucky Attorney General A Market suit prediction Against Polymarket and everything this year. Australia stressed Gambling advertising restrictions About live sports broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Polymarket has continued to court friendlier jurisdictions. The company is reportedly seeking Japan approved paymentTargeting Tokyo by 2030.
The split shows a struggle between cautious regulators and Polymarket. Organizers are worried consumer damage. Polymarket insists that its contracts serve legitimate price discovery, not gambling.
Bettors still favor the French team
None of this scrutiny succeeded in dampening interest in today’s third-place match. This reflects a broader boom in World Cup prediction markets throughout the tournament. Polymarket France’s direct market price is 67 cents, beating England. This means there is about a 67% chance for the French team.
The French ban does not reach overseas bettors. But it suggests that regulators are no longer willing to wait for prediction markets to police themselves. Whether Polymarket adapts its French offering or simply withdraws remains an open question before kick-off.
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