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 question among those new to trading: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and finance in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based blocking 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 — territories under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — sanctioned regions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own local 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 these regions typically experience unimpeded platform access: the wider EU (France excluded), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, and Bahrain.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions using virtual private networks. This strategy presents substantial legal and operational hazards: Polymarket's identity verification requires official documentation, and submitting a US-issued ID while routing traffic through a VPN creates a serious regulatory mismatch. The platform explicitly states it may seize or restrict accounts if VPN activity emerges during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and offers users a tailored interface with clear information about prediction markets, transparent regulatory compliance, and hassle-free fund transfers. Start trading on PolyGram →