In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket is unavailable in the United States, France, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and several other sanctioned or restricted territories. Most of Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia can access the platform — but local gambling or financial regulations may still apply.
A frequent inquiry from those entering the prediction market space: Does Polymarket operate in my jurisdiction? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your location.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP geolocation and identity verification protocols) across these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — territories subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further jurisdictional constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet maintain their own local constraints:
| Country | Access | Local Restriction |
| UK | Yes | FCA may classify as regulated activity |
| Germany | Yes | GlüStV gambling treaty applies |
| Canada | Yes | Provincial gaming rules vary |
| Australia | Limited | Interactive Gambling Act restrictions |
| India | Yes | State-level gambling laws vary |
| Japan | Yes (not blocked) | Gambling Code may prohibit participation |
Countries Where Polymarket Works Without Major Issues
Traders across these regions typically experience unrestricted platform access: the broader EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
What About VPNs?
Certain US-based participants attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This strategy introduces substantial legal exposure: Polymarket's identity verification demands official credentials, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst operating through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket explicitly reserves the authority to lock accounts if VPN activity surfaces during KYC re-screening.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored experience featuring transparent regulatory frameworks and user-friendly fund withdrawal mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →