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 prospective users centres on a straightforward concern: Does Polymarket operate in my jurisdiction? The response hinges upon both Polymarket's own geographical restrictions and the regulatory landscape governing gambling and financial services in your territory.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification protocols) in these jurisdictions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC agreement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — countries subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further jurisdictional constraints
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own regulatory requirements:
| 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 regions typically encounter minimal barriers: the broader European Union (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, and Botswana.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents considerable hazards: Polymarket's identity verification framework mandates official government documentation, and submitting a US passport or state-issued ID whilst connected to a VPN generates a regulatory conflict. Polymarket has the authority to suspend or seize accounts should VPN activity become apparent during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth whilst delivering enhanced user experience through clear regulatory frameworks and efficient fund management solutions. Start trading on PolyGram →