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 frequent question among those entering the prediction market space: Does Polymarket operate in my jurisdiction? The response hinges on both Polymarket's internal geo-blocking measures and the regulatory environment in your own region.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP geolocation and identity verification protocols) across 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 — territories subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further jurisdictional limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain nations permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own regional 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 most of these regions enjoy unobstructed access: remaining EU member states (apart from France), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, and Ghana.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent blocks using virtual private networks. This approach carries substantial danger: Polymarket's identity verification demands official documentation, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst routing traffic through a VPN generates regulatory friction. Polymarket may suspend or seize accounts should VPN activity surface during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order-book depth and delivers a region-specific interface with clear regulatory frameworks and user-friendly fund recovery options. Start trading on PolyGram →