In a surprising move, Polymarket, the prominent online prediction market platform, has blocked French traders following an ongoing investigation into its compliance with France’s gambling laws. This action comes just weeks after reports revealed that the French government was probing the platform.
Although Polymarket’s terms of service did not explicitly mention the ban at press time, a journalist who attempted to access the site from a French server via a VPN on Friday encountered a digital blockade, confirming the restriction.
Why the Ban?
Polymarketβs clash with the French authorities began when a French trader made significant bets on Donald Trump securing a win in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. This raised red flags with the National Gaming Authority of France (ANJ), which has since initiated an inquiry into the platform’s operations.
The ban, initially reported by the French crypto news outlet The Big Whale, highlights growing concerns about the platform’s adherence to local gambling regulations.
Whatβs Next for Polymarket?
As of now, Polymarket has not responded to inquiries about the ban, nor has the ANJ issued any official statement.
Highlights:
- Polymarket blocks French traders amid regulatory investigation.
- ANJ investigation sparked by massive bets on Donald Trumpβs election victory.
- Digital blockade confirmed when trying to access the site from a French server.
- No comment from Polymarket or the ANJ at press time.
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