Polymarket Bans French Traders Amid Gambling Probe

As a seasoned analyst with years of experience navigating the complexities of the financial industry, I find myself both intrigued and concerned by the ongoing saga of Polymarket. The latest development – the restriction of access for French traders – is reminiscent of a game of cat and mouse between regulators and innovative platforms that challenge the status quo.


As a researcher, I’m sharing an update about Polymarket, a platform that facilitates predictions in a decentralized manner. Recently, due to an ongoing investigation by France’s national gaming authority, the ANJ, regarding compliance with gambling laws, access for French traders has been restricted on this platform.

On Friday, it was reported that French users trying to access the platform using a VPN were blocked from doing so. However, this restriction hasn’t been officially included in Polymarket’s terms and conditions as of now.

Polymarket Continues to Face Strong Regulatory Scrutiny

The scrutiny comes from a French trader’s large bets on Donald Trump winning the 2024 US Presidential election, raising concerns about the platform’s operations in France. 

On social media, a French journalist drew focus to the restrictions faced by Polymarket, thereby increasing scrutiny of their ongoing legal battles.

The crypto-betting platform for political events, sports, and more saw a surge in popularity amidst the heat of the U.S. Presidential election.

According to Gregory Raymond, who spoke with a source from the National Gambling Authority (ANJ), although Polymarket operates using cryptocurrencies, it is still considered betting, and such activities are not legal in France.

During the election period, it’s said that users placed bets totaling approximately $3.2 billion. On November 5th alone, the trading volume reached an unprecedented level of $294 million. Before the results were announced, Trump had a 67% chance of winning on Polymarket.

Initially, it was thought that most of the trading on the platform was legitimate. But subsequent investigations indicated a possible link between 30% of the platform’s transactions and wash trading – a practice where assets are bought and sold repeatedly to create an illusion of active market participation. The platform is said to have been used for this deceptive method, artificially boosting the apparent level of trading activity.

Such practices can distort public sentiment and encourage further betting.  

Moreover, it’s said that the platform allegedly distributed substantial amounts as winnings to its leading gamblers post the election. In total, three big-time traders amassed a staggering $47 million. The highest individual payout was an impressive $20.4 million.

Following an election-related event, officials seized the electronic equipment belonging to Shayne Coplan, CEO of Polymarket. Reports suggest this action may be connected to claims of market manipulation, but as of yet, no official charges or arrests have taken place.

In spite of these regulatory obstacles, the platform has unveiled intentions to introduce its own digital currency. It appears that the platform aims to maintain its appeal even after the election excitement subsides; however, further regulatory hurdles lie ahead.

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2024-11-22 21:38