Polymarket takes France to court after regulators block website
Polymarket has announced a French court challenge five days after regulators ordered internet providers to block the platform over gambling-loss and market-manipulation concerns. Reuters reported on July 22 that the crypto-based prediction market intends to contest the National Gambling Authority‘s decision through France’s legal system. “We are disappointed by the French gaming authority‘s (ANJ’s) sudden decision to unilaterally block our website — we intend to challenge this decision through the legal process in France,” Polymarket stated. ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin issued the order on July 16, directing French internet service providers to restrict access to Polymarket. According to ANJs statement cited by Reuters, the website attracted a large French audience while offering gambling and betting services that the regulator considers illegal under national law. A spokesperson for ANJ told Reuters that the block would remain until the regulator considers Polymarket compliant with France‘s gambling rules. Polymarket’s planned case will now test whether the authority can continue restricting the website under its current classification of the platform. Unlike conventional sportsbooks, Polymarket lets users trade contracts tied to outcomes in politics, economics, sports, weather and armed conflicts. Traders buy positions representing possible results, with contract prices changing as market expectations move. French regulator focuses on losses and manipulation ANJ