Polymarket is implementing new measures to restrict access for users employing VPNs in an effort to comply with regulatory demands. The platform is now blocking specific IP addresses associated with VPN services and may require users to confirm their identities to enhance compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
This shift comes amid increasing legal scrutiny, resulting in outright bans in nations such as Spain and Indonesia. The company’s strategy includes not only technical barriers but also selective identity verification for accounts suspected of evasion. Users who engage in large transactions or rapid fund movements are now subject to requests for identity verification.
Although trading with the USDC stablecoin on the blockchain remains accessible in permitted regions, Polymarket has moved away from its previously open-access model, distinguishing itself from competitors like Kalshi. This trend reflects a broader movement within the crypto industry toward more restricted access frameworks.
Polymarket is maintaining a clear separation between its international operations and its U.S. counterpart, which adheres to stringent Know Your Customer protocols following its acquisition of a licensed derivatives exchange in 2025. This evolution in access control seeks to mitigate risks associated with unregulated trading practices.