France Orders ISPs to Block Polymarket Over Illegal Gambling Concerns

France’s gambling authority has ordered the country’s internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market platform. The regulator cited concerns over illegal gambling and potential market manipulation as the reasons for the ban.

Polymarket, known for allowing users to bet on the outcomes of various events, has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past. The French gambling authority stated that the platform operates without proper authorization, violating local gambling laws. This move follows similar actions by other countries looking to regulate or restrict crypto-related gambling platforms.

For users in France, this means they will no longer be able to access Polymarket through their regular internet service providers. The ban highlights the ongoing tension between decentralized platforms and national regulators, who are increasingly looking to enforce their laws in the crypto space.

This action could set a precedent for other countries to follow, potentially impacting the availability of similar platforms. Users outside France may want to monitor regulatory developments to anticipate any future restrictions. The crypto community is watching closely to see how Polymarket responds to this blockade and whether they will seek legal recourse or find alternative ways to provide access to French users.