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 questions most frequently asked by those new to trading: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on what Polymarket itself restricts geographically alongside the regulatory framework governing gambling and finance in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is prevented (through IP filtering and identity verification checks) in these areas:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) oversight
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — nations under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories subject to sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further restrictions in place
Countries with Partial Access
Certain nations permit Polymarket operation yet enforce 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 these regions typically enjoy unrestricted access: the remainder of the EU (France excepted), Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Poland, South Africa, Kenya, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents significant dangers: Polymarket's identity verification mandates official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state-issued ID whilst routing through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket explicitly states it may suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity surfaces during identity re-checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a region-specific interface featuring clear regulatory frameworks and hassle-free fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →