Polymarket in Bhutan
Restricted: not geoblocked, but betting on future events is a Penal Code offence.
| Polymarket status | Not geoblocked by Polymarket |
|---|---|
| National position | Banned or blocked by the regulator |
| Regulator | Royal Bhutan Police (Penal Code enforcement); Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Bhutan
Polymarket does not geoblock Bhutan, and no action naming it was found. Gambling is a criminal offence under Sections 393-394 of the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, which defines it to include wagers on uncontrollable future events. Police regularly arrest people for small-stakes gambling. Crypto is state-led: an April 2025 RMA notice limits crypto exchange and mining to entities registered in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Key facts
- Penal Code 2004, Section 393 defines gambling to include betting on an 'uncontrollable future event'; Section 394 makes it a petty misdemeanour.
- 2018: Thimphu police recorded 18 gambling cases and 88 arrests in one year, even for tiny stakes.
- April 2025: an RMA notice restricted crypto exchange and mining to Gelephu Mindfulness City entities and kept the public from using domestic banks for crypto trading.
- The government's industrial Bitcoin mining became public in 2023.
- No Polymarket-specific action found.
What are your options in Bhutan?
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 Royal Bhutan Police (Penal Code enforcement); Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), 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 Bhutan?
Restricted: not geoblocked, but betting on future events is a Penal Code offence.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Bhutan?
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.