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 my jurisdiction permit Polymarket access? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory environment governing gambling and financial services in your region.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based controls and identity verification protocols) across these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement agreement
- France — restricted owing to regulatory concerns raised by the Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ)
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — jurisdictions subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — subject to further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet maintain 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 the following areas typically enjoy unrestricted market access: the broader EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Egypt, Kenya, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Cambodia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach carries substantial legal and operational hazards: Polymarket's identity verification demands official identification documents, and presenting a US passport or driving licence whilst connected to a VPN creates a serious regulatory violation. Polymarket has the authority to lock accounts and seize assets should VPN activity be identified during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order book depth and delivers a tailored experience featuring regulatory transparency and user-friendly withdrawal mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →