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 most frequently posed by those new to the platform: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The answer hinges on both Polymarket's own geographical limitations and the regulatory environment in your jurisdiction regarding gambling and financial services.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based blocking and identity verification protocols) across these regions:
- United States — restricted following the 2022 CFTC agreement
- France — restricted owing to Autorité nationale des jeux (ANJ) regulatory concerns
- Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria — territories subject to OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — sanctioned regions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket access yet maintain their own domestic 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 regions typically experience unrestricted platform access: the remainder of the EU (apart from France), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kenya, Ghana, and Bahrain.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in the US attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach presents substantial dangers: Polymarket's identity-verification requirements demand official identification documents, and submitting a US passport or state ID whilst connected to a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or seize accounts if VPN activity is identified during subsequent KYC checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a region-specific interface with transparent regulatory guidance and user-friendly fund withdrawal mechanics. Start trading on PolyGram →