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.
Among the most frequently asked questions by prospective traders: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on a mix of Polymarket's own territorial limitations and the regulatory environment governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP geolocation and identity verification protocols) in these regions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC consent order
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — nations subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further jurisdictional constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage but enforce domestic regulatory 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 encounter unrestricted platform access: the wider European Union (apart from France), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, and Ghana.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent blocks using VPN technology. This strategy presents substantial legal and operational dangers: Polymarket's identity verification requires official documentation, and submitting a US passport or driver's licence whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket explicitly states it may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity surfaces during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order book depth and delivers a tailored interface featuring clear regulatory frameworks and hassle-free fund withdrawal mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →