How to Use Polymarket in the US [2026]: Legal Status, Alternatives, and Options
Can Americans use Polymarket? We explain the legal status, why it's blocked in the US, what alternatives exist, and what some traders do to access it.
Last updated: 2026-03-05
Can You Use Polymarket in the US?
No — Polymarket is not legally available to US residents. The platform geo-blocks US IP addresses and its terms of service explicitly prohibit US users from trading.
This wasn’t always the case. Polymarket originally served US users but was fined $1.4 million by the CFTC in January 2022 for operating an unregistered exchange. Since then, it has blocked US access.
Why Is Polymarket Blocked in the US?
Polymarket operates as a crypto-based prediction market without CFTC registration. Under US law, event contracts (prediction markets) fall under the Commodity Exchange Act, which requires platforms to register as a Designated Contract Market (DCM).
Kalshi is the only platform that has obtained this registration. Polymarket chose to serve international users instead of going through the costly US regulatory process.
What About Using a VPN?
Some guides suggest using a VPN to access Polymarket from the US. Here’s what you need to know:
The reality:
- Polymarket’s terms of service prohibit US residents from using the platform, regardless of how they access it
- Using a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions may violate Polymarket’s ToS
- Polymarket performs KYC checks for withdrawals above certain thresholds, which can reveal your location
- There are no known cases of US users being prosecuted for accessing Polymarket via VPN, but the legal gray area carries risk
If you do use a VPN for privacy reasons:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider with strong privacy protections
- Be aware that your funds have fewer legal protections than on a regulated platform
- Understand that Polymarket could freeze accounts if they detect US residency during KYC
We recommend using regulated US alternatives instead — the protection of your funds is worth more than slightly better liquidity.
Best US Alternatives to Polymarket
If you’re in the US and want to trade prediction markets, these regulated options are available:
1. Kalshi — Best Overall US Alternative
The closest direct alternative to Polymarket for US users:
- CFTC-regulated (Designated Contract Market)
- Available in 44 US states
- Politics, economics, weather, sports, and entertainment markets
- Bank transfer and debit card deposits
- Growing liquidity (not Polymarket-level yet, but improving fast)
Kalshi covers most of the same market categories as Polymarket. The main tradeoffs: lower liquidity on some markets and full KYC required.
2. DraftKings Predictions — Best for Sports
If you primarily want sports prediction markets:
- Available in 20+ states
- 50M+ user base means strong liquidity
- Excellent mobile app
- PayPal, Venmo, bank deposits
Limited to sports and entertainment markets. Not a full Polymarket replacement.
Read our DraftKings Predictions review →
3. FanDuel Predicts — Good Sports Alternative
Similar to DraftKings with a slightly different user experience:
- Available in 20+ states
- Strong mobile app
- Easy deposits
- Sports-focused markets
Read our FanDuel Predicts review →
Polymarket vs Kalshi: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Polymarket | Kalshi |
|---|---|---|
| US access | Blocked | Yes (44 states) |
| Regulation | None | CFTC-regulated |
| Markets | Thousands | Hundreds (growing) |
| Liquidity | Deepest globally | Growing |
| Deposits | USDC (crypto) | Bank, debit card |
| KYC | Minimal | Full verification |
| Fund protection | None | Segregated accounts |
For a deeper comparison, see our Polymarket vs Kalshi analysis →.
Will Polymarket Ever Be Legal in the US?
Possibly. Several developments could change the landscape:
- New CFTC regulations — The CFTC is actively developing rules for prediction markets. Broader approval could make it easier for platforms like Polymarket to register.
- Congressional action — Bills have been introduced to clarify the legal status of prediction markets.
- Polymarket registration — Polymarket could apply for DCM status, though this would require significant compliance infrastructure.
For now, Kalshi remains the only legal, CFTC-regulated prediction market for US residents.
Protecting Your Online Privacy
Whether you’re trading prediction markets, browsing the web, or accessing any financial platform, using a VPN protects your data from third-party tracking and secures your connection on public networks.
A quality VPN service encrypts your internet traffic and protects your personal information — important when you’re entering financial data on any platform.
The Bottom Line
US residents should use Kalshi for the Polymarket-like experience with full regulatory protection. It has the broadest market selection of any legal US platform, CFTC oversight, and doesn’t require cryptocurrency.
If you’re specifically interested in sports predictions, DraftKings and FanDuel are strong options with excellent apps and easy deposits.
Polymarket remains the global liquidity leader, but accessing it from the US carries legal and financial risks that aren’t worth it when regulated alternatives exist.