Polymarket in Congo (Kinshasa)
Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from the DR Congo.
| Polymarket status | Close-only |
|---|---|
| National position | Restricted |
| Regulator | Ministry of Finance (authorisations); proposed ARJA regulator |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Congo (Kinshasa)
Polymarket is close-only for the Democratic Republic of the Congo: new trades are refused. Congolese law starts from a principle of prohibition, under an order of 19 January 1901 on games of chance and a decree of 17 August 1927 on lotteries. Casinos and sports betting need prior state approval, especially from the Ministry of Finance. A bill to create a gambling regulator (ARJA) has been before parliament since 2025.
Key facts
- Close-only on Polymarket under its own geoblock.
- Games of chance are prohibited under the 1901 order, and lotteries under the 1927 decree, unless authorised.
- Unauthorised operation is a criminal offence, punishable by penal servitude and fines.
- A bill creating the Autorité de régulation des jeux d'argent et de hasard (ARJA) has been pending since 2025.
What are your options in Congo (Kinshasa)?
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 Ministry of Finance (authorisations); proposed ARJA regulator, 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 Congo (Kinshasa)?
Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from the DR Congo.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Congo (Kinshasa)?
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.