Polymarket in Zimbabwe
Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from Zimbabwe.
| Polymarket status | Close-only |
|---|---|
| National position | A regulated alternative exists |
| Regulator | Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB); Financial Intelligence Unit (VASPs) |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in Zimbabwe
Polymarket is close-only for Zimbabwe: new trades are refused. Betting is licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Board under the Lotteries and Gaming Act. In 2025 gaming levies rose from 3% to 20%, and the tax on winnings from 10% to 25%. The Board plans a real-time Gaming Management System to target unlicensed operators. On 10 June 2026 Zimbabwe gazetted SI 99 of 2026, requiring virtual-asset service providers to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Key facts
- Close-only on Polymarket under its own geoblock.
- Lotteries and Gaming Act: the LGB licenses betting and casinos.
- 2025: gaming rate raised from 3% to 20% and tax on winnings from 10% to 25%.
- 10 Jun 2026: SI 99 of 2026 introduced mandatory VASP registration with the FIU.
What are your options in Zimbabwe?
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 Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB); Financial Intelligence Unit (VASPs), 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 Zimbabwe?
Not available: Polymarket blocks new trades from Zimbabwe.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in Zimbabwe?
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.