In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally and is accessible across most regions, though it occupies an uncertain regulatory space in numerous jurisdictions. Residents of the United States cannot use the platform. Before you begin trading, review the gambling and financial regulations that apply where you are located.
Is Polymarket legal? Your location determines the answer. Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based protocol without a single regulatory authority overseeing it — yet this does not exempt users from complying with national and regional legislation.
United States — Blocked
US residents and citizens cannot use Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC in 2022 over the provision of unregistered event derivatives, Polymarket exited the American market and implements geographic blocking to prevent access from US internet addresses. Circumventing this restriction through VPN technology breaches Polymarket's user agreement.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
The UK's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited prediction markets such as Polymarket. The platform remains openly accessible to British users, though they operate without official regulatory safeguards. Income from trading activity must be reported in accordance with HMRC tax regulations.
Germany — Grey zone
Under Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021), online gambling is subject to regulatory oversight. Prediction markets occupy an uncertain legal position — they are neither formally approved nor expressly forbidden. German residents can access Polymarket without impediment, though potential legal exposure persists. Our comprehensive German legal guide provides additional detail.
Canada — Accessible
Canada imposes no national-level restriction on consumer participation in prediction markets. Gambling rules differ by province, yet Polymarket remains widely accessible and actively used among Canadian participants.
Australia — Grey zone
The Interactive Gambling Act in Australia concentrates enforcement on platform operators rather than individual users. Australian traders can engage with Polymarket with relatively limited legal exposure, though regulatory clarity remains incomplete.
⚠️ This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — consult a local lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Tax obligations everywhere
Across virtually all jurisdictions, trading gains must be reported to tax authorities. The UK may impose Capital Gains Tax on profits. Germany treats such earnings as taxable income. Maintain thorough documentation of all transactions for compliance purposes.
PolyGram supplies a downloadable transaction record feature to streamline your tax filing process. Start trading on PolyGram →