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 question that frequently arises amongst 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.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification procedures) in 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 — countries subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — subject to further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions 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
Users across these regions typically experience unrestricted platform access: the remainder of the EU (with France excluded), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions by employing virtual private networks. This approach introduces substantial legal and operational hazards: Polymarket's identity verification system demands official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected to a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket has the authority to suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity surfaces during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored experience with transparent regulatory frameworks and hassle-free fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →