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 query from those entering the market: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory landscape governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based blocking and identity verification) across 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 — OFAC-designated sanctioned nations
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories under sanctions regime
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet maintain their own local constraints:
| 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
Users across these territories generally experience unrestricted access: remaining EU member states (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya, and the broader Middle East region.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions via VPN services. This approach presents considerable hazards: Polymarket's identity verification protocol mandates official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or liquidate accounts should VPN activity surface during identity re-verification procedures.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order book depth and delivers a region-specific interface featuring clear regulatory frameworks and user-friendly fund withdrawal mechanisms. Start trading on PolyGram →