Polymarket in Bangladesh
Restricted: not geoblocked, but the 2026 Gambling Prevention Act bans online and crypto betting.
| Polymarket status | Not geoblocked by Polymarket |
|---|---|
| National position | Banned or blocked by the regulator |
| Regulator | Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC); Bangladesh Bank |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Bangladesh
Polymarket does not geoblock Bangladesh, and no order naming it was found. The Gambling Prevention Act 2026, in force since 1 July 2026, replaced the Public Gambling Act 1867. It explicitly covers online betting, VPN-based gambling and crypto-linked gambling. Running an online betting platform carries up to 7 years in prison, and the act gives authorities powers to block gambling sites and seize crypto. The BTRC has already blocked hundreds of betting websites.
Key facts
- Gambling Prevention Act 2026 took effect on 1 July 2026, replacing the 1867 Act.
- Online gambling platforms: up to 7 years' prison and BDT 50 million fines; crypto-linked organised gambling: up to 10 years.
- The act lets authorities block sites and apps and freeze or confiscate crypto assets tied to gambling.
- The BTRC has blocked hundreds of gambling and betting sites, including a batch of 331.
- Sept 2014: Bangladesh Bank warned that Bitcoin trading could breach money-laundering and foreign-exchange laws.
What are your options in Bangladesh?
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 Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC); Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh?
Restricted: not geoblocked, but the 2026 Gambling Prevention Act bans online and crypto betting.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Bangladesh?
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.