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 prospective participants centres on a straightforward question: Does Polymarket operate in my jurisdiction? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your location.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification procedures) across these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC agreement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — territories under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — subject to further limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage but enforce their own regulatory 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 the following areas typically experience unobstructed access: remaining EU member states (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions using virtual private networks. This approach introduces significant hazards: Polymarket's identity verification demands official identification documents, and presenting a US-issued passport or state ID whilst connected through a VPN creates regulatory tension. Polymarket has the authority to suspend or liquidate accounts should VPN activity be identified during subsequent identity verification checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order book depth and delivers a customised interface featuring transparent governance frameworks and user-friendly fund retrieval mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →