Polymarket in Germany
Not available: Polymarket is close-only, and the GGL says these bets cannot be licensed.
| Polymarket status | Close-only |
|---|---|
| National position | Restricted |
| Regulator | Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Germany
The GGL says Polymarket is not licensed in Germany. On 13 August 2026 it stated that paid bets on political, economic and other social events cannot be licensed under German gambling law, and that taking part from Germany is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. No public ISP-blocking order against Polymarket was found. Polymarket itself is close-only for Germany.
Key facts
- Sept 2025: the GGL warned about prediction markets after bets on the Ukraine-Russia war.
- 13 Aug 2026: the GGL said political, economic and social event bets cannot be licensed.
- Germany joined the nine-regulator joint initiative on prediction markets in June 2026.
What are your options in Germany?
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 Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), 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 Germany?
Not available: Polymarket is close-only, and the GGL says these bets cannot be licensed.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Germany?
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.