In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally and remains accessible across most territories, though it occupies an uncertain regulatory position in numerous jurisdictions. Users from the United States cannot participate. Review applicable gambling and financial regulations in your region before engaging.
Is Polymarket legal? The response varies based on your location. Because Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based system, it lacks a single regulatory authority — yet this does not exempt users from complying with their national legislation.
United States — Blocked
Polymarket remains unavailable to individuals residing in or holding citizenship of the United States. Following a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC in 2022 regarding the provision of unregistered event derivatives, Polymarket exited the American market and enforces IP-based restrictions on US-based connections. 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 platforms such as Polymarket that specialise in prediction markets. The platform remains openly accessible to UK residents, though users operate without formal regulatory safeguards. Earnings derived from trading must be reported according to HMRC requirements.
Germany — Grey zone
Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021) establishes a framework for regulating internet-based gaming activities. Prediction markets occupy an ambiguous position within this regulatory framework — they are neither formally authorised nor explicitly prohibited. German residents can use Polymarket without impediment, though some legal uncertainty persists. See our detailed German legal guide.
Canada — Accessible
Canada imposes no nationwide restriction preventing citizens from participating in prediction markets. Gambling rules differ across provinces, yet Polymarket remains broadly available and actively utilised by Canadian market participants.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act concentrates its enforcement on service providers rather than end-users. Residents of Australia can participate on Polymarket with relatively modest legal exposure, though the regulatory environment remains somewhat uncertain.
⚠️ 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 nations, trading income must be reported to tax authorities. The UK may impose Capital Gains Tax on trading profits. Germany treats such income as taxable earnings. Maintain thorough documentation of all transactions for compliance purposes.
PolyGram supplies a downloadable transaction record to streamline your tax filing obligations. Start trading on PolyGram →