Platform comparison
| Platform | YES odds | NO odds | Fee | KYC | Settlement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polymarket (via Polymarket Legal UK) Pick polygram.ink (preferred broker) |
33% | 67% | 0% (USDC on-chain) | No-KYC up to $1,500 | USDC, auto via UMA oracle | Trade this market → |
Polymarket (direct) polymarket.com |
33% | 67% | 0% | Geo-blocked in US/UK/EU | USDC, on-chain | Trade this market → |
Kalshi kalshi.com |
— | — | Up to 7% per trade | US-only, KYC required | USD | Trade this market → |
Betfair Exchange betfair.com |
— | — | 2-5% commission | Full KYC from first trade | GBP / EUR | Trade this market → |
Manifold Markets manifold.markets |
— | — | Play-money (mana) | None — play-money | Mana (no cash-out) | Trade this market → |
Outcome probabilities
Current market-implied probability for each outcome, from the live order book.
| Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| United States | 33% |
| United Kingdom | 5% |
| France | 5% |
| Germany | 2% |
| Netherlands | 1% |
| Greece | 1% |
| Italy | 1% |
| Australia | 1% |
Market context
Military vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz remain a barometer of regional tensions and great-power positioning in the Persian Gulf. The waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes annually, has historically witnessed increased naval activity during periods of heightened US–Iran friction, though routine passages by allied navies occur year-round. This market settles affirmatively only if credible reporting confirms a warship transit between now and 31 July 2026, excluding civilian or commercial vessels regardless of military escort.
Historical precedent suggests the 5% implied probability reflects a baseline assessment of routine transits. Between 2019 and 2023, the US Navy conducted multiple freedom-of-navigation operations through the strait; allied navies including those of France, the United Kingdom, and Australia have similarly maintained scheduled passages without triggering major escalation. The 2022 British tanker seizure and subsequent releases demonstrated that commercial disruption and military posturing can occur independently of formal warship deployments. A trader assessing this market should distinguish between announced naval exercises (which typically precede transits) and unplanned responses to incident or provocation.
Key catalysts include statements from the US Fifth Fleet, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announcements regarding exercises, and any escalation tied to sanctions enforcement or regional incidents. Recent reporting from Reuters and the Financial Times has tracked increased Iranian naval activity in late 2024, though this has not consistently translated into foreign warship transits. The settlement window extends through mid-2026, encompassing multiple potential flashpoints including sanctions reviews and any renewed nuclear negotiations. Traders should monitor official naval schedules and credible defence reporting for confirmation of actual transits rather than announced intentions.
Methodology
This overview of Which countries will send warships through the Strait of Hormuz by July 31? reviews the four comparable platforms from a regulatory perspective: which is accessible in your jurisdiction, where KYC kicks in, how the platform is classified by your country of residence. Live probability is the Polymarket mid; comparison columns show regulatory status, KYC thresholds and settlement options for each platform.
Resolution & payout
On Polymarket, resolution runs on-chain via UMA Optimistic Oracle. USDC payout is instant and automatic, with no KYC. Tax treatment depends on your jurisdiction — in the US, gains are usually ordinary income; in the UK, often capital gains. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
FAQ
- Is Polymarket legal in my country?
- Polymarket is geo-blocked in the US/UK/EU. Actual usage via the Polymarket interface is not possible there. The legal status itself varies — many countries treat prediction markets as a gray area. Polymarket Legal UK has a different geo footprint.
- Do I need to KYC for Polymarket Legal UK?
- Not for lifetime trading volume under $1,500. Above that threshold, a quick KYC flow kicks in — ID, selfie, approximately 5-10 minutes. The threshold matches FATF travel standards for unregulated crypto platforms.
- How are winnings taxed?
- Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction. In most countries, prediction market gains are treated as ordinary income or capital gains. We cannot provide tax advice — consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
- Can I trade anonymously?
- Pseudonymously, yes — up to the KYC threshold. Polymarket Legal UK stores an email address and wallet addresses rather than a legal name. Over $1,500 lifetime volume triggers KYC, after which identity is no longer anonymous.
- What if regulation changes?
- If regulation changes in your jurisdiction (e.g. prediction markets are banned), Polymarket Legal UK would geo-block the affected region and continue processing withdrawals. Your funds remain withdrawable at any time.
Trade Which countries will send warships through the Strai… on Polymarket Legal UK
Live order book, 0% fees, USDC settlement in seconds.
Open live market →