Is Polymarket legal in the US?

Polymarket is legal in the US in one specific form. US residents must use the Polymarket US app, which runs on a federally regulated exchange, not the global crypto site. As of November 2026, whether that federal approval overrides state gambling laws is still being fought in court, so availability varies by state.

Is Polymarket available in the US?

Yes, through Polymarket US. Polymarket's help center says the website serves international users, and US residents must use the Polymarket US app, which is a separate product with separate accounts. As of June 2026 it was an iPhone app, with Android listed as coming soon.

The legal basis is an exchange Polymarket bought in 2025, covered in what are prediction markets. On November 25, 2025 the CFTC approved an amended order of designation letting Polymarket run a federally regulated intermediated trading platform in the US, Covers reported. The global site still restricts Americans. Its help center lists the US as a blocked country, while its developer documentation lists the US as close-only, where existing positions can be closed but new ones cannot be opened.

Is Polymarket legal in all 50 states?

No. In a November 4, 2026 status table, CBS Sports said Polymarket US operates in all states except Nevada, plus Washington DC and US territories, though some contracts are unavailable in some states. The same table listed Connecticut and Tennessee as unavailable and said a lawsuit had blocked sports markets in Maryland.

Nevada's Gaming Control Board sued Polymarket's parent in January 2026, and a state judge issued a restraining order barring it from offering event contracts there, Front Office Sports reported. CBS Sports said a preliminary injunction followed and is on appeal. Rhode Island sued in May, and Tennessee calls Polymarket an unlicensed sportsbook. In February 2026 Polymarket sued Massachusetts to stop a possible shutdown, Bloomberg Law reported.

The federal regulator backs the platforms' side. In October 2026 the CFTC sued Utah, its tenth suit against a state, saying Congress gave it sole responsibility for registered derivatives markets. For the agency's wider role, see what does the CFTC do in crypto.

Is Polymarket legal in California?

As of November 4, 2026, CBS Sports listed California as live, with Polymarket and Kalshi sports markets available. It flagged a risk of restrictions: three tribes argue prediction markets break federal gaming law and the state's sports betting ban. A federal judge denied their request for an injunction, and they have appealed to the Ninth Circuit.

Is Polymarket the same as Kalshi?

No. They are rival companies. Kalshi has been a CFTC-designated exchange since 2020 and was built around US dollars, as explained in what is Kalshi. Polymarket grew as a global crypto platform and came back to the US through its acquired exchange. Both face many of the same state challenges. Moving funds off the global platform is covered in how to withdraw from Polymarket.

Rules differ by country and state and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.