Prediction Primer Open Polymarket

Polymarket in Kuwait

Restricted: not geoblocked, but Kuwait bans gambling and, since 2023, crypto transactions.

Polymarket statusNot geoblocked by Polymarket
National positionRestricted
RegulatorCapital Markets Authority (CMA); Central Bank of Kuwait
Last reviewed23 October 2026

The legal situation in Kuwait

Polymarket does not geoblock Kuwait, and no Kuwaiti order naming it was found. Kuwait bans gambling, and in July 2023 the CMA's Circular No. 10 imposed an 'absolute prohibition' on crypto payments, investments and mining, with matching circulars from the Central Bank, the Ministry of Commerce and the Insurance Regulatory Unit. Polymarket settles in USDC, so using it runs against both regimes, although enforcement against individual users has not been reported.

Key facts

  • 18 Jul 2023: CMA Circular No. 10 banned crypto payments, investment and mining, and barred licences for virtual asset services.
  • The Central Bank of Kuwait and Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued parallel circulars.
  • Gambling is prohibited under Kuwaiti law, with no licensing route.
  • No ISP block or enforcement naming Polymarket was found.

What are your options in Kuwait?

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 Capital Markets Authority (CMA); Central Bank of Kuwait, 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 Kuwait?

Restricted: not geoblocked, but Kuwait bans gambling and, since 2023, crypto transactions.

Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Kuwait?

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.