Polymarket in the Maldives
Restricted: not geoblocked, but gambling is prohibited and a criminal ban is moving through parliament.
| Polymarket status | Not geoblocked by Polymarket |
|---|---|
| National position | Restricted |
| Regulator | Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA); Maldives Police Service |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in the Maldives
The Maldives is not on Polymarket's geoblock list, and no Maldivian action naming Polymarket was found. Gambling is prohibited on Islamic grounds. On 10 December 2025 President Muizzu sent the People's Majlis a bill to amend the Penal Code so that gambling and running gambling establishments become criminal offences, partly in response to offshore digital betting platforms. The MMA has said crypto is not legal tender and that no entity is authorised to deal in it.
Key facts
- 10 Dec 2025: the government submitted a Penal Code amendment criminalising gambling and gambling establishments.
- Gambling has no licensing route and is treated as contrary to Islamic principles.
- Oct 2018: the MMA stated that crypto is not legal tender and that no permission has been granted to deal in it.
- No ISP block or enforcement naming Polymarket was found.
What are your options in the Maldives?
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 Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA); Maldives Police Service, 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 the Maldives?
Restricted: not geoblocked, but gambling is prohibited and a criminal ban is moving through parliament.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in the Maldives?
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.