Polymarket to Contest France's Nationwide Website Block

Polymarket disputes France's decision to restrict access, arguing that trading was halted long ago.

Polymarket has announced its intention to contest the French government's recent decision to block its website entirely. The company argues that this action is unwarranted, as it ceased trading on the platform back in November 2024.

The French National Gambling Authority (ANJ) mandated internet service providers to restrict access to Polymarket, citing concerns over illegal gambling practices. The authority highlighted risks such as financial losses, identity verification challenges, and the potential for market manipulation.

In response, Polymarket plans to challenge this ruling in court, asserting that the decision unfairly impacts users who seek information rather than engaging in trading activities. The company expressed surprise at the ANJ's decision, emphasizing that many visitors come to understand the probabilities of future events without the intention of gambling. “We take pride in the fact that most users come to Polymarket mainly to understand the probabilities of future events pertinent to their daily lives,” the company stated.

Polymarket characterizes its offerings as blockchain-based financial instruments, which are traded directly between users, rather than as gambling products. The platform claims it does not take opposing positions in trades or profit from market outcomes, distinguishing its model from traditional gambling operators.

Despite the trading restrictions already in place, the ANJ's order to block the entire website was prompted by the fact that users could still access market information and real-time probabilities. France's action follows similar measures taken by Ukraine, Argentina, and Spain to block Polymarket, as various countries have deemed the platform as unauthorized for gambling purposes.

Moreover, countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Romania have also imposed restrictions on Polymarket, reflecting a growing global trend against the platform. Currently, Ukraine has no legal framework permitting Polymarket's operations, according to a government official.