Is Polymarket legal? What to know by region
Whether you can legally use Polymarket depends entirely on where you live. Prediction markets sit in a grey area between trading and gambling, and regulators treat them very differently around the world.
The general picture
- United States: Polymarket has faced CFTC scrutiny and restricts US users. Some regulated alternatives (like Kalshi) operate under CFTC oversight.
- European Union: rules vary by country; some treat prediction markets as gambling that requires a licence.
- Spain / Latin America: gambling regulators (e.g. DGOJ in Spain) may consider unlicensed prediction markets restricted.
This is not legal advice, and it changes over time. Always verify the current rules in your own country before using any prediction market.
Software is separate from the platform
Using a self-hosted tool to automate your own trades is different from the platform's legality: the tool runs on your machine, with your keys and funds, and never custodies money. But it can only be used where using the underlying platform is itself legal — that responsibility is yours.
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See POLBOT →This article is informational, not financial advice. Trading prediction markets carries a risk of total loss. Check that using it is legal in your jurisdiction.