Polymarket Banned Countries: Where You Can and Can't Trade
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.
A frequent question amongst traders entering the space: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory framework governing gambling and financial services in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Access to Polymarket is restricted (through IP-based controls and identity verification protocols) in 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 under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — areas subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — jurisdictions with further limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet enforce their own local 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 unimpeded access: the remainder of the EU (France excepted), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Poland, Greece, South Africa, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders based in America attempt to circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks. This approach involves substantial risk: Polymarket's identity verification requires official documentation, and submitting a US state ID or passport whilst routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. The platform may suspend or liquidate accounts if VPN activity is flagged during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's order book depth and delivers a region-specific interface featuring clear regulatory guidance and user-friendly fund redemption options. Start trading on PolyGram →