Is Polymarket Legal? Country-by-Country Guide 2025
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally and is obtainable across most territories, though it occupies regulatory ambiguity in numerous jurisdictions. Residents of the United States face access restrictions. Review applicable gambling and investment regulations in your region prior to engaging.
Is Polymarket legal? Your location determines the answer. Because Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based system without a single regulatory authority, national legislation still governs participant conduct.
United States — Blocked
American citizens and permanent residents cannot use Polymarket. Following a 2022 CFTC enforcement action resulting in a $1.4 million penalty over unlicensed derivatives offerings, the platform ceased US operations and enforces geoblocking on American internet addresses. Using a VPN to circumvent these restrictions breaches platform terms.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
The UK's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited platforms such as Polymarket. The service remains accessible to British users, though they operate outside formal regulatory safeguards. Income derived from trading must be reported in accordance with HMRC requirements.
Germany — Grey zone
Under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021), Germany's gambling framework applies to internet-based wagering. Prediction market platforms occupy an uncertain legal position—neither formally sanctioned nor expressly forbidden. German participants can access Polymarket without impediment, though potential legal exposure persists. Our comprehensive German legal analysis explores this further.
Canada — Accessible
No national-level ban exists on consumer participation in prediction markets within Canada. Gambling oversight varies by province, yet Polymarket remains broadly available and actively utilised by Canadian market participants.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act concentrates enforcement on service providers rather than individual participants. Australian citizens may access Polymarket with relatively modest legal exposure, though definitive regulatory clarity remains elusive.
⚠️ 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 jurisdictions, trading income must be reported to tax authorities. The UK typically levies Capital Gains Tax on such earnings. Germany imposes income tax obligations. Maintaining comprehensive transaction records is essential for compliance.
PolyGram supplies exportable transaction summaries to streamline your tax filing obligations. Start trading on PolyGram →