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 posed by those entering the trading space: Does Polymarket operate in my jurisdiction? The response hinges on both Polymarket's internal geo-blocking mechanisms and the regulatory environment within your own nation.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is restricted (through IP-based filtering and identity verification protocols) in these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC enforcement action
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — nations 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 but enforce their own regulatory conditions:
| 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 across these regions experience unimpeded platform access: the remainder of the EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Kenya.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents considerable dangers: Polymarket's identity-verification requirements demand official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected to a VPN generates a regulatory mismatch. The platform may suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity is identified during subsequent KYC audits.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored interface with transparent regulatory frameworks and hassle-free fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →