Polymarket’s Re-Entry into the U.S. Market
Polymarket has officially announced its re-entry into the U.S. market with the launch of its mobile application, which is currently accessible to users on its waiting list. This development marks the first time the platform has been available to American users since 2021.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the company expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Despite the challenges, the Polymarket U.S. app is now being gradually rolled out to waitlisted users. We’re kicking off with sports markets, soon to include a variety of other event-driven opportunities.”
Regulatory Journey
This comeback follows a protracted regulatory journey that started when the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) took action against Polymarket in 2021 for allegedly offering unregistered binary options and acting as a designated contract market without proper registration. This resulted in a settlement in January 2022, where Polymarket was fined $1.4 million and consequently barred from servicing U.S. clients, compelling the company to operate from offshore.
However, the recent updates have been promising. In November 2025, the CFTC issued an amended order that permitted a Polymarket affiliate to function legally within a regulated framework for American traders. Although further approvals are needed for the platform to provide comprehensive event-based trading for U.S. users, Polymarket has been proactively addressing its regulatory standing.
Phased Rollout of the App
The phased rollout of the app emphasizes a controlled approach. Initially accessible to those on the waitlist, users will see sports-related markets available first, with plans to expand to additional event categories as the company fulfills remaining regulatory obligations. Polymarket has resumed a beta version of its website for U.S. users in mid-November while distributing invites in stages.
Competitive Landscape
In the current landscape, Polymarket joins a select few platforms that operate under CFTC supervision, competing with other emerging entities in the prediction market sector such as Kalshi, which has been gaining traction among users. Following the current launch on iOS through the Apple App Store, Android compatibility is anticipated soon, allowing U.S. users to quickly verify their waitlist status.
This comeback reestablishes Polymarket’s presence in the competitive U.S. prediction market after nearly four years, reflecting a determined effort to foster regulated prediction markets in the American financial space.
