France issues orders to block Polymarket.

Since at least 2024, France has been closely monitoring Polymarket, with recent scrutiny intensifying and resulting in a decision to impose a nationwide ban on the prediction market platform.

Polymarket has faced scrutiny in various regions, with countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain restricting access. In May, Spain specifically banned both Polymarket and Kalshi due to concerns over gambling and consumer protection. On Friday, the National Gambling Authority (ANJ) in France announced its decision to block the prediction market platform, highlighting issues related to consumer safety. The ANJ expressed worries about potential significant losses for users and noted that some event contracts on Polymarket were easily subject to manipulation. According to a translated statement on its website, the ANJ explained: On July 16, 2026, the president of France's National Gambling Authority instructed French internet service providers to block the Polymarket website. The site, with its large audience, is offering illegal gambling and betting services. The ANJ indicated that there are no immediate plans to lift the block, stating it will remain as long as Polymarket does not comply with French gambling laws.

The ANJ has similarly issued warnings against promoting unauthorized gambling services, such as event contract platforms, highlighting that violators could face fines of up to $114,000. Beyond the concern for consumer safety, the ANJ has also raised alarm about the possible manipulation of certain markets. In one instance, a teleprompter operator is reportedly negotiating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to resolve a case where he allegedly placed bets on President Donald Trump’s speeches. Having access to the speeches beforehand, he tracked them live, knowing when the President would deviate from the script. There are reports that at least one person within the US military has exploited insider knowledge for personal profit. Meanwhile, speculation abounds that members of the President’s inner circle are taking advantage of prediction markets for their own benefit, though these claims remain unsubstantiated at present.