In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket remains available across most territories outside North America. The platform functions as a decentralised blockchain protocol operating without a centralised regulatory licence. Jurisdictional treatment ranges from outright prohibition (United States) through regulatory ambiguity (Canada, UK, EU member states) to full accessibility (majority of Asia, Africa, Latin America).
Whether Polymarket operates within legal boundaries is arguably the most frequently posed question in the prediction market space. The resolution hinges on your geographic location, how your nation's authorities categorise prediction markets (whether as gambling, financial derivatives, or information-discovery mechanisms), and the vigour with which regulators pursue enforcement against international platforms.
United States — Explicitly Blocked
US persons and entities cannot access Polymarket. Following a 2022 enforcement action, Polymarket remitted $1.4 million to settle with the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) over unlicensed event contract offerings. The platform subsequently exited the American market and deployed geofencing alongside identity-verification protocols.
Americans seeking compliant prediction market participation should consider Kalshi, which obtained CFTC authorisation in 2020 and continues broadening its contract catalogue.
European Union — Evolving Regulation
The EU lacks a harmonised regulatory framework for prediction markets. MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), operational since 2024, imposes fresh compliance obligations on cryptocurrency trading venues. Nonetheless, prediction markets fall outside MiCA's direct scope.
Practically speaking, Polymarket remains accessible across EU member states. Each nation enforces distinct gambling and financial conduct standards:
- Germany: Occupies grey-zone status under GlüStV 2021. Not formally prohibited. See our German legal guide
- France: The ANJ (gambling regulator) has not issued specific guidance on prediction markets. Accessible to residents
- Netherlands: KSA enforcement actively targets unlicensed gambling operators. Prediction markets occupy uncertain legal territory
- Spain: DGOJ supervises online gaming activity. Polymarket remains technically usable though unlicensed
United Kingdom — Accessible, Unregulated
The Gambling Commission has neither authorised nor prohibited Polymarket within British jurisdiction. UK residents utilise the platform without impediment. The FCA's stance regarding cryptocurrency-based prediction instruments remains indeterminate. Revenue authorities (HMRC) typically treat prediction market gains as either investment income or miscellaneous receipts for tax purposes.
Canada — Accessible
Canadian federal legislation contains no prohibition against individuals engaging with prediction markets. Provincial gambling statutes concentrate regulatory authority on platform operators rather than participants. Canadian users operate on Polymarket without legal barriers.
Australia — Grey Zone
The Interactive Gambling Act focuses enforcement on operators delivering unlicensed services to Australian-resident consumers. Direct participation in foreign prediction markets remains legally ambiguous rather than explicitly prosecuted.
Asia & Rest of World
Polymarket enjoys broad availability throughout South and Southeast Asia, the Gulf region, Central and South America, and the African continent. Exceptions include mainland China (pervasive connectivity limitations) and select nations maintaining comprehensive cryptocurrency prohibitions.
Tax Obligations Are Universal
Irrespective of Polymarket's legal standing in your jurisdiction, earnings from prediction markets constitute taxable income across virtually all nations. PolyGram furnishes comprehensive transaction history documentation incorporating FIFO cost-basis allocation for tax compliance. Engage a qualified tax professional in your locale.
This content serves informational purposes and should not be construed as legal counsel. Regulatory frameworks evolve continuously. Retain qualified legal representation in your territory before commencing trading activity.
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