Polymarket in Canada
Partly available: close-only in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Quebec; not geoblocked by Polymarket elsewhere in Canada.
| Polymarket status | Partly restricted |
|---|---|
| National position | Restricted |
| Regulator | Provincial securities regulators (e.g. Ontario Securities Commission, OSC); Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Canada
Polymarket is close-only in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, and not geoblocked in the other provinces and territories. The Ontario restriction comes from a settlement with the OSC: Polymarket's operators admitted breaching Ontario's ban on short-term binary options, and the settlement keeps them out of Ontario until April 2027. Polymarket added BC, Alberta and Quebec in terms updated 6 July 2026 without public provincial orders. A regulated alternative now exists: CIRO authorised Wealthsimple in March 2026 to offer event contracts, limited to economic, financial and climate topics.
Key facts
- Ontario: Polymarket restricted the province in May 2023; the Capital Markets Tribunal approved the OSC settlement in April 2025.
- BC, Alberta and Quebec were added as close-only in Polymarket terms revised 6 July 2026.
- Wealthsimple Predict offers about 4,000 Kalshi contracts, excluding sports and elections (announced June 2026).
- The Canadian Securities Administrators said they will keep monitoring prediction markets.
What are your options in Canada?
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 Provincial securities regulators (e.g. Ontario Securities Commission, OSC); Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), 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 Canada?
Partly available: close-only in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Quebec; not geoblocked by Polymarket elsewhere in Canada.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Canada?
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.