# France Blocks Access to Polymarket France classifies Polymarket as an illegal gambling platform. - **Source:** [NewsBTC](https://brifing.si/source/1757e8d5-352f-4479-994f-79c6e6161b17) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1a714dd0-fbf9-4212-8979-e1c80b5ddeab ## Polymarket Access Blocked France’s National Gambling Authority (ANJ) has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket. This decision puts prediction markets under regulatory pressure in one of Europe’s largest markets. ## Illegal Gambling Allegation ANJ classified Polymarket as an illegal gambling operation. Concerns such as consumer addiction, lack of know-your-customer controls, and potential manipulation of betting outcomes were cited as reasons for the decision. ## Identity Crisis of Prediction Markets Prediction markets have always faced an identity crisis with regulators. While supporters describe them as information markets, regulators often view them simply as betting platforms. ## The KYC Issue ANJ’s concerns around know-your-customer (KYC) are significant. Regulators focus on who is betting, how users are onboarded, and whether suspicious activities can be monitored. ## Manipulation Concerns ANJ also raised concerns about the potential manipulation of betting outcomes. In prediction markets, manipulation can mean attempts to influence real-world events. ## New Pressure on the Sector France’s decision represents new regulatory pressure on prediction markets. Platforms like Polymarket may need to develop local controls and licensing strategies to operate legally. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.newsbtc.com/news/french-regulator-orders-isp-block-on-polymarket-access/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._