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.
One of the most common questions from new traders: Is Polymarket available in my country? The answer depends on a combination of Polymarket's own geo-restrictions and your country's gambling/financial laws.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket blocks access (via IP detection and KYC screening) from the following jurisdictions:
- United States — blocked since the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — blocked due to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — OFAC-sanctioned countries
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — sanctioned territories
- Myanmar, Belarus — additional restrictions
Countries with Partial Access
Some countries allow Polymarket access but impose local restrictions:
| 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
Most users from the following regions report full access: the rest of the EU (excluding France), Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, UAE, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
What About VPNs?
Some US-based traders use VPNs to access Polymarket. This carries risks: Polymarket's KYC process requires government ID, and providing a US passport or driver's license while using a VPN creates a compliance conflict. Polymarket reserves the right to freeze funds if VPN usage is detected during KYC reverification.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram mirrors Polymarket's liquidity and provides a localized experience with regulatory transparency and straightforward withdrawal processes. Start trading on PolyGram →