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Can you use Polymarket for sports in the US?
Arbs research desk · Updated 2026-11-01 · Reviewed 2026-11-01 · 2 min read
The short answer: Polymarket runs a US exchange regulated by the CFTC alongside its international platform, which does not accept US users. Whether you can trade sports contracts depends on where you live and on rules that are still being litigated. Check the venue’s own eligibility terms before you sign up.
Two platforms
Polymarket’s international platform restricts US users. Its US platform operates as a CFTC-regulated exchange. Markets, fees and eligibility can differ between the two, so read the terms on the one you use.
Prices and fee rates quoted on Arbs come from Polymarket’s public market data. A market you see on Arbs may not be offered on the platform you are allowed to use, so check it there before you plan a trade.
Federal and state rules
Event contracts on a CFTC-registered exchange are regulated federally. Several states argue that sports event contracts are sports betting that needs a state license, and courts have not settled the question everywhere. Availability can change by state as those cases move.
What to check
| Question | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Is my location allowed? | The venue’s terms and its list of restricted locations |
| Are sports contracts offered where I live? | The venue’s help pages, which change as court cases move |
| What is the minimum age? | The venue’s terms; it is 18 or 21 depending on venue and state |
| What are my local rules? | Your state gaming regulator |
| What are the federal rules? | The CFTC |
Records and taxes
Gains from betting and from trading event contracts can be taxable, and the treatment depends on where you live. Keep a record of every trade, deposit and withdrawal, and ask a tax professional how they apply to you.
Where Arbs fits
Arbs is a research tool. It does not take bets, hold funds or route orders to any venue. See responsible gaming for help if betting stops being fun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymarket legal in the US?
Polymarket operates a CFTC-regulated US exchange. Whether sports contracts are available to you depends on your state and on rules that are still changing. Check the venue’s eligibility terms.
Does Arbs take bets?
No. Arbs shows prices and model probabilities. Any bet is placed with a separate venue, under that venue’s rules.