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The information provided on EL7.AI is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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Sign InIn a move reflecting heightened regulatory scrutiny over decentralized crypto platforms in Europe, France’s gambling authority (ANJ) has officially ordered internet service providers to geoblock Polymarket. The French regulator based its decision on concerns regarding illegal gambling operations and potential market manipulation within the platform. This enforcement action aims to restrict access for users in France to one of the world's largest blockchain-based prediction markets.
This crackdown occurs as prediction markets experience explosive growth, with Polymarket recording record trading volumes exceeding $1 billion during peak periods in 2024, according to data from Dune Analytics. The ban aligns France with other jurisdictions taking a hardline stance on crypto-betting; notably, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) already restricts American users from trading on the platform under a prior settlement agreement.
Looking ahead, market participants are monitoring how this restriction will impact the platform's liquidity and its expansion strategy across Europe, particularly as authoritative price data for related instruments remains unavailable at close 2026-07-18. Traders should watch for further statements from European regulators, which may signal a broader trend toward regulating or banning decentralized prediction markets across other EU member states.