In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally in many regions worldwide, though it occupies uncertain legal territory across numerous jurisdictions. Residents of the United States cannot participate. Review the gambling and financial regulations applicable to your location before you begin trading.
Is Polymarket legal? The response varies based on your geographic location. Because Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain protocol without a single regulatory authority, national and local laws still apply to individual participants regardless.
United States — Blocked
US citizens and residents cannot use Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC in 2022 over the provision of unregistered event derivatives, Polymarket ceased operations for American users and implements IP-based blocking for the United States. Using a VPN to circumvent this restriction breaches Polymarket's user agreement.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
The UK's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited platforms such as Polymarket that offer prediction markets. The platform remains accessible to UK residents, though they operate outside the scope of regulatory oversight. Tax authorities expect traders to report their earnings in line with HMRC requirements.
Germany — Grey zone
Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021) establishes the framework for internet-based gaming activities. Prediction markets occupy an uncertain position within this regulatory framework — neither formally permitted nor explicitly forbidden. German participants can access Polymarket without impediment, though potential legal ambiguity persists. Consult our comprehensive German legal guide for further details.
Canada — Accessible
No national-level restrictions prevent Canadian consumers from participating in prediction markets. Gambling oversight differs across provinces, yet Polymarket remains widely available and actively used throughout Canada by prediction traders.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act primarily focuses on regulating operators rather than individual participants. Australians can use Polymarket with relatively limited legal exposure, although the regulatory framework remains incompletely defined.
⚠️ This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently — consult a local lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
Tax obligations everywhere
Across virtually all jurisdictions, traders must report their earnings to tax authorities. The UK typically imposes Capital Gains Tax on trading returns. Germany assesses income tax on such gains. Maintain thorough documentation of all your transactions for compliance purposes.
PolyGram makes tax compliance straightforward by offering downloadable trade records and reporting tools. Start trading on PolyGram →