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 frequently asked question among those new to the platform: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory environment in your jurisdiction regarding gambling and financial services.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is prevented (through IP-based filtering and identity verification procedures) in these regions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — countries subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — subject to further access controls
Countries with Partial Access
Certain nations permit Polymarket usage but enforce their own local rules:
| 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 areas typically enjoy unrestricted access: the remainder of the EU (with France excluded), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and New Zealand.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions using virtual private networks. However, this approach presents significant dangers: Polymarket's identity verification process demands official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity is identified during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored experience featuring clear regulatory standards and user-friendly fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →