In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates lawfully across most territories, though it occupies uncertain legal territory in numerous regions. American users face access restrictions. Review applicable gambling and financial regulations in your jurisdiction before you begin.
Is Polymarket legal? The response varies significantly based on your location. Given that Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based protocol, no single regulatory authority oversees it — yet national legislation still applies to participants.
United States — Blocked
US citizens and residents cannot use Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million CFTC settlement in 2022 stemming from the provision of unregistered event derivatives, the platform exited the American market and enforces geoblocking against US-based internet addresses. Circumventing this restriction through VPN technology breaches Polymarket's user agreement.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
Britain's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited prediction markets such as Polymarket. The platform remains available to UK residents, though they enjoy no regulatory safeguards. Tax authorities expect all earnings to be reported in line with HMRC requirements.
Germany — Grey zone
The German gambling treaty (GlüStV 2021) establishes rules for internet-based gaming activities. Prediction markets occupy an uncertain position within this framework — neither formally licensed nor explicitly forbidden. German participants can access Polymarket without impediment, though some legal uncertainty persists. See our detailed German legal guide.
Canada — Accessible
No national-level restrictions prevent Canadian consumers from using prediction markets. Gambling oversight differs across provinces, yet Polymarket remains widely available and actively used throughout Canada.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act concentrates enforcement on platform operators rather than individual users. Australians can participate in Polymarket with relatively limited legal exposure, though the regulatory environment remains somewhat unsettled.
⚠️ 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, trading gains must be reported to tax authorities. British traders may owe Capital Gains Tax on their returns. German participants face income tax liability. Maintain comprehensive records documenting all transactions.
PolyGram supplies a downloadable transaction ledger to streamline your tax filing process. Start trading on PolyGram →