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 query from those entering the market: Can I trade on Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory environment in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is restricted (through geolocation checks and identity verification) 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 — regions subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations in place
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
The vast majority of participants in these areas enjoy unrestricted platform access: the remainder of the EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This strategy introduces significant legal exposure: Polymarket's identity verification demands official identification documents, and presenting a US passport or state ID whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a serious regulatory mismatch. Polymarket explicitly states it may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity surfaces during KYC revalidation cycles.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth whilst delivering a tailored experience featuring transparent compliance frameworks and efficient fund redemption options. Start trading on PolyGram →