Prediction Primer Open Polymarket

Polymarket in Iraq

Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from Iraq.

Polymarket statusClose-only
National positionBanned or blocked by the regulator
RegulatorCentral Bank of Iraq (CBI); KRG Ministry of Interior in Kurdistan
Last reviewed23 October 2026

The legal situation in Iraq

Polymarket is close-only for Iraq: new trades are refused. Gambling is broadly prohibited in Iraq. The Central Bank of Iraq has prohibited crypto dealings since 2017 and says it licenses no crypto trading firms. In 2025 the Kurdistan Regional Government set up an interior-ministry committee to close crypto and foreign-exchange firms after a roughly $15 million scam in Duhok.

Key facts

  • Close-only on Polymarket under its own geoblock.
  • 2017: the CBI prohibited crypto dealings, citing money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • The CBI says it does not license companies trading stocks, metals or cryptocurrencies.
  • 2025: the KRG Ministry of Interior declared crypto dealing prohibited and ordered firms closed.

What are your options in Iraq?

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 Central Bank of Iraq (CBI); KRG Ministry of Interior in Kurdistan, 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 Iraq?

Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from Iraq.

Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Iraq?

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.