Polymarket Makes Long-Awaited US Return With Limited Rollout
Prediction market platform Polymarket has made its long-awaited return to the US market with a limited rollout on Wednesday after securing CFTC approval to operate as an exchange.
The platform has started rolling out its US app to waitlisted users and will initially offer sports event contracts before expanding to other markets.
Polymarket Makes Long-Awaited US Return
Prediction market platform Polymarket has returned to US shores after securing Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) approval to operate as an exchange. The platform announced its return in a post on X, stating that waitlisted users can access its US app and browse sports event contracts. The platform is launching with the sports market, with plans to launch other markets at a later date.
“Against all odds. Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist. We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything.”
The platform returns nearly four years after authorities banned US-based users from accessing its blockchain-powered prediction markets. Users can join the waitlist by downloading the Polymarket app and entering their phone number. Once they join the waitlist, users will receive an invite code allowing them to access trading markets.
Securing CFTC Approval
Following its expulsion from the US market, Polymarket acquired QCEX, a platform already registered with the CFTC. This allowed it to bypass the regulator’s multi-year registration process. It received a no-action letter from the CFTC in September, allowing it to resume US operations. Polymarket then secured an Amended Order of Designation, which allowed it to operate as an intermediated trading platform under the rules for US-based exchanges. The approval meant Polymarket could onboard brokerages and customers directly, allow users to trade via futures commission merchants (FCMs), and provide access to traditional custody, reporting, and market infrastructure.
Polymarket has also upgraded its infrastructure, introducing enhanced market surveillance, supervision policies, clearing procedures, and Part 16 regulatory reporting. It is also fully compliant with the Commodity Exchange Act and other CFTC regulations.
Polymarket was banned from the US market in 2022 after authorities deemed it offered unregistered derivatives contracts. Its acquisition of QCEX, a regulated contract market and clearinghouse, paved the way for its return.
Expansion Of Prediction Markets
Polymarket offers prediction markets on the NFL, college football, NBA, NHL, college basketball, and soccer, with plans to release markets in finance, economy, politics, and more. The platform returns at a time of growing interest in prediction markets. FanDuel has announced plans to launch a prediction market platform this month, while its competitor, DraftKings, plans to launch its platform in 2026. Currently, Kalshi is the number one prediction market in the US.
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