Polymarket in Afghanistan
Restricted: not geoblocked, but the Taliban ban crypto (2022) and all gambling.
| Polymarket status | Not geoblocked by Polymarket |
|---|---|
| National position | Banned or blocked by the regulator |
| Regulator | Taliban administration; Da Afghanistan Bank (central bank) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is not on Polymarket's geoblock list, but the Taliban administration bans both of the activities Polymarket relies on. Around August 2022 it declared cryptocurrency forbidden, citing its closeness to gambling, and arrested crypto dealers who did not comply. Gambling is prohibited under the Taliban's reading of Islamic law. No action naming Polymarket was found.
Key facts
- Feb 2022: Taliban officials studied whether crypto is compatible with Islamic finance, then ruled it forbidden.
- Aug 2022: crypto trading banned and token dealers arrested (Bloomberg, 26 Aug 2022).
- Gambling of any kind is prohibited under Taliban rule; there is no licensing regime.
- No Polymarket-specific order or ISP block was found.
What are your options in Afghanistan?
If Polymarket or local law restricts this country, the honest answer is: don't try to get around it. VPNs and third-party wallets break Polymarket's terms, can get funds frozen and may be illegal locally. Look for prediction markets or exchanges licensed by Taliban administration; Da Afghanistan Bank (central bank), and check back here: rules change.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Check the regulator's own website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymarket legal in Afghanistan?
Restricted: not geoblocked, but the Taliban ban crypto (2022) and all gambling.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Afghanistan?
No. Using a VPN to reach Polymarket from a restricted location breaks its terms of service and can lead to frozen accounts. It may also break local law.