Polymarket to challenge France’s nationwide website block
Polymarket is challenging a French regulatory order that mandates internet service providers to block access to its entire website. The company argues the block is disproportionate because it prevents users from accessing information, not just trading, and maintains that its platform is not a gambling service.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing tension between decentralized prediction markets and national gambling regulators regarding the classification of blockchain-based financial instruments.
France’s National Gambling Authority ordered internet providers to block the platform last week, saying it exposed users to potential losses and offered markets that could be manipulated.
Polymarket said it would challenge the decision through the French legal system and called the order disproportionate because it covers users who visit the site for information rather than to trade.
“We were surprised at the ANJ decision to block access to our entire website because their measure targets people going to Polymarket purely for information,” the company said in a press release.
“We are proud that most people come to Polymarket solely to learn the probability of future events relevant to their everyday life with no intention to trade,” the company added. “Prediction markets help source truth.”
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