France's national gaming regulator has ordered internet service providers to completely block access to Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market. The directive, announced Friday, comes as traffic from French IP addresses hit 578,000 visits — a sharp spike that likely drew the regulator's attention. It's the latest escalation in a broader crackdown on the platform over fears of rampant unlicensed gambling.
Block order issued Friday
The regulator didn't give ISPs a grace period. The order demands immediate blocking of Polymarket's domain and any mirror sites. French users trying to reach the platform now see an error page or a government warning, depending on their provider. Polymarket hasn't publicly commented on the block as of press time.
Traffic spike from French IPs
The 578,000 visits from France represent a significant chunk of Polymarket's European user base. The surge suggests French bettors were already flocking to the site despite earlier warnings. The regulator's move aims to cut off that flow at the network level — a tactic it's used before against unlicensed gambling sites.
Why the regulator moved
Polymarket lets users bet on real-world events using crypto. That puts it in a gray zone: it's not a traditional betting site, but French law treats prediction markets as gambling if they involve money. The regulator has been watching Polymarket for months. Friday's order suggests it decided softer measures weren't working.
The timing isn't great for Polymarket. The platform has been trying to position itself as a legitimate source of election and event odds, not a casino. A government-mandated block in a major European market undercuts that narrative.
It's unclear how quickly all French ISPs will comply. Some may drag their feet. Others already have filtering systems in place. For now, French users who want to bet on Polymarket will need a VPN — and that's a cat-and-mouse game the regulator knows well.
