Polymarket is the most liquid prediction market in the world—but it officially blocks US residents. If you're in the US and want to trade prediction markets, here's what you need to know.
Why Polymarket blocks US users
In 2022, Polymarket settled with the CFTC for operating without proper registration. As part of that settlement, they agreed to block US users.
When you visit Polymarket from a US IP address, you'll see a geo-block. The terms of service explicitly prohibit US residents from trading.
This isn't a technical limitation—it's a legal and regulatory decision.
Do people use VPNs?
Yes. Many US users access Polymarket using VPNs that mask their IP address. This is widely discussed on Twitter and Reddit.
However, this comes with risks:
- Terms of service violation: If Polymarket detects you're in the US, they can freeze or close your account.
- Withdrawal issues: Converting USDC back to USD through US-based exchanges creates a paper trail.
- Legal gray area: While no individual users have been prosecuted, you're technically violating both Polymarket's TOS and potentially US regulations.
- No recourse: If something goes wrong, you have no legal protection.
We're not recommending this approach—just explaining what people do.
The legal alternative: Kalshi
If you want to trade prediction markets legally in the US, Kalshi is your option.
Kalshi is regulated by the CFTC as a Designated Contract Market. It's fully legal for US residents (with some state exceptions). You trade in USD, deposit via ACH or debit card, and withdraw to your bank account.
Kalshi covers many of the same events as Polymarket:
- Elections and politics
- Economic data (Fed rates, CPI, jobs)
- Weather events
- Sports outcomes
The main tradeoffs:
- Less liquidity: Polymarket often has deeper books, especially on political markets.
- Fewer markets: Kalshi has stricter rules about what can be listed.
- Fully legal: Your funds are protected, withdrawals are simple, and you have regulatory recourse.
For most US users, the peace of mind is worth the liquidity difference.
Using both platforms (for non-US users)
If you're outside the US, you can use both Polymarket and Kalshi. This is actually an advantage:
- Price comparison: When the same event trades on both, you can take the better price.
- Arbitrage: If prices diverge significantly, you can profit from the gap.
- Liquidity access: Use Polymarket for deep liquidity, Kalshi for US-specific events.
Using Alphascope to compare
Alphascope shows markets from both Polymarket and Kalshi:
- Predictions → See both platforms side-by-side. Spot price divergences instantly.
- News → Breaking stories linked to affected markets on both platforms.
Whether you use Kalshi (US legal) or have access to Polymarket (non-US), Alphascope helps you find edges faster.
Will Polymarket ever be legal in the US?
Maybe. Prediction markets are gaining mainstream attention, and regulatory attitudes may shift. Kalshi's success shows there's a legal path.
But for now, Polymarket remains off-limits for US residents—at least officially.
FAQ
Can I use Polymarket in the US?
Officially, no. Polymarket blocks US IP addresses and prohibits US residents in their terms of service.
What happens if Polymarket catches me using a VPN?
They can freeze or close your account. Withdrawal of funds may become difficult or impossible.
Is using Polymarket with a VPN illegal?
It's a legal gray area. You're violating Polymarket's TOS and potentially CFTC regulations. No individual users have been prosecuted, but there's no guarantee that continues.
What's the best legal alternative for US users?
Kalshi. It's CFTC-regulated, uses real USD, and is fully legal in most US states.
Does Kalshi have the same markets as Polymarket?
Many overlap (elections, Fed, economics), but Polymarket has more markets overall. Kalshi is more conservative about what it lists due to regulatory requirements.