In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally and remains accessible across much of the world, though it occupies uncertain legal territory in numerous regions. Residents of the United States cannot use the platform. It is essential to review the gambling and financial regulations applicable in your own jurisdiction before you begin trading.
Is Polymarket legal? Your location determines the answer. Because Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based protocol without a single regulatory authority, individual nations' laws still govern how users may interact with it.
United States — Blocked
US citizens and residents cannot access Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC in 2022 over the provision of unregistered event contracts, the platform ceased US operations and implemented geographic blocking for American internet addresses. Using a VPN to circumvent this restriction breaches the platform'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 freely accessible to British users, though they operate outside any formal regulatory framework. Income from trading must be reported to HMRC in accordance with tax law.
Germany — Grey zone
Under Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021), online gambling faces regulation. Prediction markets occupy an uncertain position within this framework — they are neither formally approved nor explicitly forbidden. German residents can use Polymarket without restriction, though some legal uncertainty persists. Our comprehensive German legal guide explores this further.
Canada — Accessible
No nationwide Canadian law prohibits consumer participation in prediction markets. Although provincial gambling rules differ across the country, Polymarket remains widely available and actively used by Canadian participants.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act concentrates its enforcement on platform operators rather than individual participants. Australian traders can use Polymarket with relatively minimal legal exposure, though the regulatory environment remains somewhat unclear.
⚠️ 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 your profits. Germany treats such income as taxable earnings. Maintain thorough documentation of all your transactions at all times.
PolyGram offers a downloadable transaction history feature to streamline your tax filing process. Start trading on PolyGram →