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 frequently asked question among traders entering the space: Can I use Polymarket where I live? The response hinges on both Polymarket's own geographic limitations and the regulatory environment in your jurisdiction.
Officially Blocked Countries
Polymarket enforces access restrictions (through IP-based filtering and identity verification procedures) 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 — countries under OFAC sanctions
- Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk — territories subject to international sanctions
- Myanmar, Belarus — further access limitations
Countries with Partial Access
Certain jurisdictions permit Polymarket usage yet maintain 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 areas typically enjoy unrestricted platform access: the broader European Union (aside from France), Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Hong Kong.
What About VPNs?
Certain traders from the US attempt to circumvent blocks using virtual private networks. This strategy presents serious dangers: Polymarket's identity verification requires official documentation, and submitting a US identification document while routing traffic through a VPN creates a regulatory mismatch. Polymarket may suspend or seize accounts if VPN circumvention is discovered during subsequent identity checks.
Alternative: PolyGram
PolyGram replicates Polymarket's market depth and delivers a region-specific interface with clear regulatory frameworks and user-friendly fund withdrawal options. Start trading on PolyGram →