France May Ban Crypto Betting Platform Polymarket

As a seasoned crypto investor with a keen interest in prediction markets, I find myself both intrigued and concerned by the recent developments surrounding Polymarket. Having witnessed the meteoric rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by platforms like Polymarket that leverage blockchain technology to offer innovative solutions.


Reportedly, France’s gaming authority, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), plans to prohibit the cryptocurrency-focused betting site, Polymarket, from functioning within French territory.

Based on information from The Big Whale’s report, this move was made following the platform gaining notice due to a French user making substantial wagers on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

On the radar of many cryptocurrency fans due to its prediction market platform, Polymarket provides a venue where traders can place substantial bets on various political and economic occurrences. As per the latest figures from Dune Analytics, the aggregate volume wagered has surpassed an impressive $3.5 billion.

Under French law, the ANJ considers Polymarket to be an unlawful gambling site. Although the ANJ hasn’t officially declared a ban yet, reliable sources indicate that access to Polymarket may soon be limited in France.

The authority is now examining whether the platform adheres to French gambling regulations, sparking questions about the lawfulness and regulatory conformity of prediction marketplaces such as Polymarket.

During this election period, Polymarket has drawn considerable interest, particularly following its accurate forecasts regarding prominent political events such as President Joe Biden’s decision to forgo a second term and Donald Trump’s triumph.

This subject has garnered both admiration and scrutiny due to the fact that some professionals are hesitant about the dependability of prediction markets, whereas crypto supporters applaud their perceived precision. It’s worth mentioning that a French trader named Theo wagered $26 million on Trump winning, eventually receiving a $49 million payout as a result.

The measure mirrors a closer examination in the United States, where the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has suggested regulations aimed at platforms such as Polymarket, due to potential issues related to manipulation.

The public comment period regarding this rule concluded in August, leaving its final decision yet to be made. This situation has sparked discussion among economists and crypto supporters, with some viewing prediction markets as useful sources of information, while others caution about the possibility of manipulation and negative motivations.

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2024-11-07 09:24