In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally and is obtainable across most territories, though it occupies an uncertain regulatory position in numerous jurisdictions. Individuals from the United States cannot participate. Review applicable betting and financial regulations in your region before engaging.
Is Polymarket legal? The response varies based on your geographical location. Given that Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based protocol, no single regulatory authority governs it — however, this does not exempt users from complying with national legislation.
United States — Blocked
US citizens and residents cannot use Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million settlement with the CFTC in 2022 over the provision of unregistered derivatives contracts, Polymarket exited the American market and implements geoblocking for US-based internet connections. Circumventing this restriction through a VPN breaches Polymarket's user agreement.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
The UK's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited prediction market platforms such as Polymarket. The platform remains freely accessible to British users, though they operate without regulatory safeguards. Income generated through trading must be reported in accordance with HMRC requirements.
Germany — Grey zone
Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021) establishes rules for web-based gaming activities. Prediction markets occupy an unclear legal space — neither formally authorised nor expressly forbidden. German participants can access Polymarket without impediment, though potential legal exposure persists. Explore our comprehensive German legal guide.
Canada — Accessible
Canada imposes no nationwide ban on consumer participation in prediction markets. Gambling legislation differs across provinces, yet Polymarket remains broadly available and actively used by Canadian market participants.
Australia — Grey zone
Australia's Interactive Gambling Act concentrates enforcement on service suppliers rather than end-users. Australian participants can engage with Polymarket with relatively minimal legal concern, though the regulatory landscape remains somewhat undefined.
⚠️ 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 may impose Capital Gains Tax on market earnings. Germany levies income tax on such transactions. Maintain comprehensive documentation of all trading activity.
PolyGram delivers a transaction history export function to facilitate your tax compliance obligations. Start trading on PolyGram →