Polymarket in Ireland
Not available: Polymarket restricts Irish users after GRAI pressure.
| Polymarket status | Close-only (website) |
|---|---|
| National position | Restricted |
| Regulator | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Ireland
Since 1 July 2026, remote betting operators in Ireland need a GRAI licence, and the GRAI treats prediction markets as gambling services. In July 2026 Polymarket restricted Irish access after the GRAI threatened High Court action. Reports say it blocked new Irish accounts and stopped existing ones from depositing or opening positions. Polymarket's geoblock documentation lists Ireland as close-only on the website.
Key facts
- 1 July 2026: GRAI licensing for remote betting took effect.
- 21 July 2026: the Irish Examiner reported that Polymarket had 'voluntarily restricted access' after GRAI intervention.
- The GRAI said it had open investigations into black-market gambling.
What are your options in Ireland?
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 Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), 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 Ireland?
Not available: Polymarket restricts Irish users after GRAI pressure.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Ireland?
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.