Is Polymarket legal in the USA?
It's complicated. The international version of Polymarket (the one with deep liquidity and no KYC) is blocked for US IP addresses. This has been the case since Polymarket's 2022 CFTC settlement.
While the international Polymarket platform is blocked for US IP addresses, many American users access it by using a VPN to connect from a non-restricted country. This is technically a violation of Polymarket's Terms of Service, and accounts could be frozen if detected. In practice, thousands of US users trade on the international platform this way every day.
Create your Polymarket account
However, Polymarket US launched in December 2025 as a separate, CFTC-regulated platform. It requires full identity verification (government ID, SSN) and operates through registered futures commission merchants.
The two versions of Polymarket
| International Polymarket | Polymarket US | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Blocked for US IPs | Available (invite-only as of early 2026) |
| KYC | No verification needed | Full ID, SSN required |
| Regulation | Unregulated for users | CFTC-regulated |
| Liquidity | Very high | Lower (still growing) |
| Markets | All categories | More limited |
CFTC approval and regulatory history
Polymarket's story in the US has been turbulent. In January 2022, the CFTC fined Polymarket $1.4 million for operating without registration. Polymarket blocked US users.
In July 2025, the DOJ dropped its investigation into Polymarket. The same month, Polymarket acquired QCEX, a CFTC-licensed derivatives exchange, for $112 million.
In November 2025, the CFTC granted Polymarket an Amended Order of Designation, allowing it to operate as a fully regulated US exchange through intermediated access.
State-level challenges
Even with federal approval, some states are pushing back. As of early 2026, at least 11 states have issued cease-and-desist orders against prediction market platforms. Nevada, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have been the most aggressive, particularly regarding sports-related event contracts.
Alternatives for US users
If you can't access Polymarket or prefer a regulated US option, Kalshi is the main alternative. It's CFTC-regulated, available to all US residents, and offers markets on politics, economics, and current events. Robinhood also integrated prediction markets in its app.
Want to understand how prediction markets work? Read our beginner guide.
