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 questions traders ask most frequently: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial activity in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification procedures) across these territories:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC settlement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — nations under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — regions subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain nations permit Polymarket access yet enforce 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
Traders across these locations typically experience unrestricted access: the remainder of the EU (excluding France), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Poland, South Africa, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent geo-blocks via virtual private networks. This approach carries substantial legal and operational risk: Polymarket's identity verification requires official government documentation, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected to a VPN generates a regulatory mismatch. The platform explicitly states it may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity surfaces during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a tailored experience with clear regulatory frameworks and streamlined fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →