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 first questions posed by those entering the prediction markets space: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the legal framework governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through geolocation checks and identity verification) in these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC agreement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — countries subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further jurisdictional constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet maintain 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
Traders across the following regions typically enjoy unrestricted access: the remainder of the EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach carries substantial risk: Polymarket's identity verification requires official documentation, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected through a VPN generates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity surfaces during identity re-verification procedures.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order flow and delivers a tailored experience with clear regulatory standards and user-friendly fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →