France orders internet providers to block Polymarket ahead of World Cup final amid regulatory concerns over event prediction markets.
Regulation & Gov ·
French regulators have ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, the prediction market platform, ahead of the World Cup final. The action cuts off French users from trading on what would represent the largest event markets in the prediction market industry's history, centered on the tournament's championship match.
The order reflects regulatory concern over event prediction markets operating without approval in France. Polymarket, which allows users to bet on outcomes of real-world events, had attracted significant trading volume around the World Cup, but French authorities moved to restrict access rather than permit the platform to operate domestically during the final.
The scope and duration of the block remain unclear—whether it applies only during the final match, extends beyond the tournament, or represents a broader stance toward decentralized prediction markets in France. No statement from Polymarket or details on enforcement mechanisms have been disclosed.