Polymarket Enforces KYC, Blocks VPN Access

The prediction market platform Polymarket is implementing stricter identity verification measures and actively blocking users who attempt to bypass geographic restrictions, marking a significant shift from its previous model of largely anonymous trading. The company is responding to mounting regulatory pressure and legal scrutiny from authorities worldwide.

According to reports, Polymarket is making it harder to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access its service, blocking suspicious accounts and associated IP addresses. Users caught bypassing IP-based geoblocks risk account suspension or permanent bans. Concurrently, the platform is encouraging users to undergo voluntary identity checks, known as Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. Users who complete these checks may gain perks such as direct server colocation for reduced trading latency.

The platform currently blocks users from approximately 35 jurisdictions. This list includes countries under international sanctions, such as Iran, Russia, and North Korea, as well as nations like Spain, India, Argentina, and the Netherlands, where authorities have raised concerns about unlicensed gambling. The company’s terms of service...