Polymarket Fights Back Against French Ban With Legal Challenge

Key Points

• France’s gambling watchdog (ANJ) instructed ISPs to block access to Polymarket across the country
• On July 22, Polymarket announced plans to fight the decision in French courts
• The ANJ raised red flags about gambling risks and the potential for contract manipulation
• Spain issued temporary bans on both Polymarket and Kalshi back in May 2025
• U.S. regulators released new draft rules for prediction markets through the CFTC in June

The cryptocurrency-based prediction platform Polymarket has announced it will mount a legal challenge in France following an order from the nation’s gambling regulatory body to block its operations.

The ANJ, France’s official gambling oversight agency, directed internet providers throughout the country to restrict access to Polymarket’s platform in recent days. According to the regulator, the service poses significant risks of substantial financial losses for users and raises concerns about possible manipulation of certain prediction contracts.

The platform wasted no time responding. In a July 22 statement, Polymarket expressed disappointment with what it characterized as an abrupt and one-sided blocking decision by the ANJ, pledging to pursue all available legal remedies under French law.

The service enables participants to wager on various real-world outcomes — ranging from political races and sporting events to financial indicators. The platform has recorded billions of dollars in transaction volume over the past several years.

European Regulators Intensify Scrutiny

France isn’t the only European nation taking action. Spanish regulators imposed temporary operating bans on both Polymarket and competitor Kalshi in May. France’s recent decision appears to follow this emerging European trend.

Interestingly, Kalshi escaped the French blocking order this time. The ANJ’s directive singled out Polymarket exclusively, prompting the company to criticize the action as one-sided.

Authorities across several jurisdictions are grappling with whether to classify prediction markets as gambling operations or as financial trading platforms. This fundamental classification question lies at the center of most regulatory conflicts.

American Regulators Join the Crackdown

Across the Atlantic, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission published proposed regulatory guidelines for prediction market operators in June. These draft rules represent an effort to establish clearer standards for the emerging sector.

A congressional House committee has simultaneously opened an investigation into both Polymarket and Kalshi in recent weeks. The platforms now face regulatory pressure from multiple government agencies.

Even amid domestic scrutiny, Kalshi continues to pursue growth initiatives. The platform has announced intentions to launch perpetual futures contracts tied to precious metals including gold, silver, and platinum.

Polymarket’s upcoming legal battle in France represents a significant test case for how European gambling legislation applies to blockchain-based prediction platforms.

The court’s decision could establish important legal precedent that influences regulatory approaches in other European Union member states.

Legal proceedings are anticipated to unfold throughout the French judicial system over the next several months.

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