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 territorial limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is restricted (through geolocation technology and identity verification protocols) in these territories:
- 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 — regions under international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations in place
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own local controls:
| 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 obstacles: the remainder of the EU (France excluded), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Singapore, Malaysia, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Laos.
What About VPNs?
Certain American traders circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents substantial legal exposure: Polymarket's identity verification demands official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected to a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket explicitly states it may suspend accounts if VPN activity is identified during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's depth of liquidity whilst delivering a tailored experience with transparent compliance frameworks and user-friendly fund redemption options. Start trading on PolyGram →