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 prospective traders ask: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based controls and identity verification) across these regions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — OFAC-designated sanctioned nations
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — sanctioned regions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further regulatory constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage but 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 the following areas typically enjoy unrestricted access: the broader European Union (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
What About VPNs?
Certain US-based participants attempt to circumvent blocks through virtual private networks. This strategy introduces substantial legal exposure: Polymarket's identity verification requirements mandate official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity surfaces during identity re-verification procedures.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored experience featuring transparent deposit and withdrawal processes alongside clear compliance standards. Start trading on PolyGram →