In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket operates legally across most territories, though it occupies uncertain regulatory territory in numerous jurisdictions. Residents of the United States cannot access the platform. Review your nation's gaming and financial regulations before you begin trading.
Is Polymarket legal? The response varies based on your location. Because Polymarket functions as a decentralised blockchain-based system, no single jurisdiction governs it — yet national legislation still applies to participants.
United States — Blocked
US citizens and permanent residents cannot use Polymarket. Following a $1.4 million CFTC settlement in 2022 over the provision of unregistered event contracts, Polymarket exited the American market and enforces geoblocking on US-based internet connections. Circumventing this restriction using a VPN breaches Polymarket's user agreement.
United Kingdom — Grey zone
Britain's Gambling Commission has neither formally authorised nor prohibited platforms such as Polymarket. The service remains accessible to UK residents, though users lack official regulatory safeguards. Any earnings must be reported in line with HMRC tax regulations.
Germany — Grey zone
The German gambling framework (GlüStV 2021) establishes rules for web-based gaming activities. Forecast-based platforms occupy an uncertain legal space — they are neither formally authorised nor expressly forbidden. German participants can use Polymarket without barriers, though some legal uncertainty persists. Refer to our comprehensive German legal guide.
Canada — Accessible
No national-level restriction prevents Canadian consumers from participating in forecast markets. Provincial gambling frameworks differ across regions, yet Polymarket remains widely available and actively used among Canadian market participants.
Australia — Grey zone
The Interactive Gambling Act in Australia concentrates enforcement on platform operators rather than individual users. Australians can engage with Polymarket with relatively low legal exposure, though the regulatory framework remains somewhat uncertain.
⚠️ 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 nations, trading income must be reported to tax authorities. British traders may face Capital Gains Tax on their earnings. German participants owe income tax on profits. Maintain thorough documentation of all transactions.
PolyGram supplies a downloadable transaction record to assist with your tax filings. Start trading on PolyGram →