Why the Regulator Chose a Blanket Block
Paris, July 18 — France’s financial regulator instructed all national internet service providers to block access to the prediction‑market platform Polymarket on Tuesday. The order targets French users who have been using the service despite earlier financial bans. The move comes after the regulator flagged addictive game mechanics and the absence of self‑exclusion tools.
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The decision reflects growing anxiety about online prediction markets that blend finance with gambling. Officials argued that Polymarket’s interface rewards rapid, repeated wagers, a pattern linked to problem gambling. Without built‑in self‑exclusion features, users lack a way to pause or stop their activity voluntarily. The regulator also highlighted data showing a high volume of French traffic that had previously evaded bans, suggesting coordinated attempts to bypass the law. By leveraging ISP-level blocks, the authority hopes to close the loophole that allowed users to access the platform through foreign servers.
Will French Users Find Ways Around the Ban?
Experts warn that determined users may seek proxy services or virtual private networks to reach Polymarket despite the block. However, the regulator believes that cutting off direct ISP access will reduce casual exposure and deter new entrants. The effectiveness of the measure will depend on enforcement speed and the ability of ISPs to implement filtering without disrupting unrelated traffic. Authorities have pledged to monitor compliance and adjust tactics if circumvention becomes widespread.
The block marks a decisive step in France’s broader effort to tighten control over online gambling‑related activities. If successful, it could set a precedent for similar actions against other platforms deemed risky. Critics argue that the approach may overreach and limit legitimate financial speculation, but regulators maintain that consumer protection justifies the restriction. Future policy may focus on requiring platforms to embed self‑exclusion tools before granting market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polymarket? Polymarket is an online platform where users trade on the outcome of real‑world events, effectively betting on future occurrences.
How will the ISP block be enforced? ISPs will receive technical instructions to filter traffic destined for Polymarket’s domains, preventing users from loading the site through standard connections.
Can users still access Polymarket from abroad? Technically, users could use foreign VPNs or proxies, but the regulator expects the block to significantly lower domestic traffic and discourage casual use.