Polymarket in Egypt
Restricted: not geoblocked, but Egypt bans gambling and unlicensed crypto and is blocking betting apps.
| Polymarket status | Not geoblocked by Polymarket |
|---|---|
| National position | Banned or blocked by the regulator |
| Regulator | National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA); Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Egypt
Polymarket does not geoblock Egypt, and no order naming it was found, but both gambling and unlicensed crypto are illegal. The Penal Code criminalises gambling, and the Civil Code voids gambling contracts. In February 2026 the NTRA and media regulator moved to block most online betting apps, and Parliament is preparing cybercrime amendments to criminalise them explicitly. Central Bank Law No. 194 of 2020 bars crypto trading or promotion without a CBE licence, and none has been issued.
Key facts
- The Penal Code criminalises gambling; only foreign passport holders may gamble in licensed hotel casinos.
- Feb 2026: the NTRA and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation began blocking about 80% of online betting apps; 1xBet was pulled from app stores in Sept 2024.
- June 2026: the government is preparing Cybercrime Law amendments to criminalise online betting apps.
- CBE Law No. 194/2020 prohibits crypto issuance, trading or promotion without a licence; none issued.
- No Polymarket-specific order found.
What are your options in Egypt?
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 National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA); Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), 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 Egypt?
Restricted: not geoblocked, but Egypt bans gambling and unlicensed crypto and is blocking betting apps.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Egypt?
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.