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 frequently asked question amongst those entering the prediction-market space: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical blocking mechanisms and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification protocols) 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 — further jurisdictional limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own 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
Users across these regions typically experience unrestricted access: remaining EU member states (bar France), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents substantial legal exposure: Polymarket's identity verification requirements demand official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state-issued ID whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a direct regulatory violation. Polymarket explicitly states it may seize or lock accounts should VPN activity be identified during subsequent KYC reviews.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a region-specific interface with transparent regulatory compliance and efficient fund redemption mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →