Polymarket in the United States
International site close-only; US users have Polymarket US, a separate CFTC-regulated app, in most states (not Nevada).
| Polymarket status | Close-only |
|---|---|
| National position | A regulated alternative exists |
| Regulator | Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); state gaming regulators (e.g. Nevada Gaming Control Board) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in the United States
The international Polymarket exchange is close-only for US users under its own geoblock, which follows the 2022 CFTC settlement. Polymarket instead serves the US through Polymarket US, a separate CFTC-regulated exchange built on QCEX, which it bought in July 2025. The CFTC issued an amended order of designation on 25 November 2025, and the US app soft-launched on 2 December 2025. Several states dispute federal preemption: Nevada obtained a restraining order, and others, including Tennessee, Connecticut, Illinois and Massachusetts, have issued cease-and-desist letters or sued.
Key facts
- Jan 2022: CFTC settlement with a $1.4M penalty; Polymarket blocked US users from the international site.
- July 2025: Polymarket acquired CFTC-licensed exchange QCEX for about $112M.
- 25 Nov 2025: CFTC amended order of designation allowed intermediated US trading; app launched 2 Dec 2025 with full KYC.
- Nevada obtained a temporary restraining order barring Polymarket from serving Nevada residents (2026).
- The CFTC sued several states, including Connecticut, Illinois and Arizona, in April 2026 over enforcement of state gambling law against prediction markets.
What are your options in the United States?
US residents can use Polymarket US, the CFTC-regulated exchange. 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 Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); state gaming regulators (e.g. Nevada Gaming Control Board), and check back here: rules change.
Sources
- docs.polymarket.com
- covers.com
- gamblinginsider.com
- startpolymarket.com
- saturdaydownsouth.com
- vip-grinders.com
General information, not legal advice. Check the regulator's own website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymarket legal in the United States?
International site close-only; US users have Polymarket US, a separate CFTC-regulated app, in most states (not Nevada).
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in the United States?
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.