Prediction market platforms are expanding rapidly. But in France, these sites are not authorised to offer their services. The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is warning that illegal operators are exposing players to significant risks.
A clear position from the ANJ
For several years now, prediction markets have been attracting a public curious about betting on the outcome of future events: electoral results, geopolitical decisions, economic developments or even social events. The principle is simple: users buy shares corresponding to a given scenario. If the event occurs, they receive a profit proportional to their stake.
The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) points out that when these platforms offer French Internet users the chance to bet real money, they are operating illegally. The regulator points out that these sites are not licensed and are therefore not subject to the obligations imposed on authorised operators.
In France, online gambling is strictly regulated. Only certain segments, such as sports betting, horseracing and poker, may be operated by operators holding a licence issued by the regulator. Unauthorised prediction platforms do not comply with these requirements. They do not guarantee the protection of user data, the security of deposits or the possibility of recourse in the event of a dispute.
The first danger is obviously financial. If the platform goes bankrupt or accounts are blocked, players have no specific protection. Funds deposited may be lost with no possibility of recovery. Unlike licensed operators, these sites are not required to segregate players’ funds. Money deposited may be used for the company’s internal operations, with no guarantee that it will be returned.
Another point of concern is the lack of mechanisms for controlling excessive gambling. Authorised operators must offer tools for self-limitation, self-exclusion and monitoring risky behaviour. On illegal platforms, these safeguards are often non-existent or purely symbolic.
Concrete action against illegal sites
The ANJ does more than issue warnings. It has powers to take action against illegal operators. It can apply to the courts to order the blocking of the sites concerned or their removal from search engines. These measures restrict French Internet users’ access to offers that do not comply with national regulations. The regulator also cooperates with other public authorities to combat money laundering and suspicious financial flows.
However, the effectiveness of these actions also depends on the vigilance of players. Many platforms are based abroad and regularly change their address or domain name to circumvent blocking.
Vigilance is essential. An operator authorised in France must appear on the official list published by the ANJ. It must clearly display its approval and offer player protection measures. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult the regulator’s website directly. Betting on an unauthorised platform not only exposes you to financial loss, but also to legal difficulties in the event of a dispute.
Shared responsibility
The fight against illegal offers is a collective effort: public authorities, financial players, internet service providers and consumers.
The Autorité Nationale des Jeux, for its part, is taking a firm line. Prediction markets with real-money stakes are not authorised in France. And until the legislative framework changes, any such offer will remain illegal.
Prediction markets in Belgium
The situation is similar in Belgium. The gambling sector there is strictly regulated by the Gaming Commission, which imposes a compulsory licensing system for any legal offer aimed at Belgian residents. Polymarket has been inaccessible to Belgian players for over a year now.
However, some legal Belgian betting platforms offer bets on public events such as Eurovision. It is therefore still possible to bet on this type of event legally.