Can you sign up to Polymarket or Kalshi from the UK? Where prediction markets stand in November 2026
Prediction markets, where people trade on the outcome of events from elections to football, have exploded in the United States. Many UK users have seen them advertised or discussed online. But signing up from Britain is a different matter. The Gambling Commission has been clear that these products are betting, and the two biggest platforms are not licensed here. Here is the position.
By Ryan Jessop. Published .
Key points
- In a blog on 4 February 2026 the Gambling Commission said prediction markets would appear to be “betting intermediaries” needing a licence.
- A government minister confirmed on 16 February 2026 that any prediction market operating in Great Britain would need a Gambling Commission licence.
- Polymarket and Kalshi do not hold UK licences and say they do not serve UK users.
- Licensed event markets are already available in Britain through the Matchbook exchange licence.
- The FCA has reportedly held talks with operators about financial event contracts.
- Commission view
- 4 February 2026
- Government answer
- 16 February 2026
- Licence needed
- Betting intermediary
- Polymarket
- Not licensed in GB
- Kalshi
- Not licensed in GB
- Licensed route
- Betting exchanges, such as Matchbook
The legal position
The Gambling Commission said in February that, depending on the business model, prediction-market products would appear to fall within the definition of a betting intermediary under the Gambling Act 2005: the same category as betting exchanges. Any business offering them to people in Great Britain needs a Commission licence, and offering them without one is an offence. The government confirmed the same position in a written answer on 16 February. Financial event contracts, on things like interest rates, are a separate question for the Financial Conduct Authority, which reportedly held talks with operators in the autumn.
Where the big platforms stand
| Platform | UK licence | Serves UK users? |
|---|---|---|
| Polymarket | No | No; blocks UK users |
| Kalshi | No | No; US only |
| easyBet Predictions, ADI Predictstreet | Via Matchbook’s exchange licence | Yes |
| Licensed betting exchanges | Yes | Yes |
France ordered internet providers to block Polymarket in July 2026, and several other European countries have blocked it too.
What it means if you are thinking of signing up
Using an unlicensed platform through a VPN or crypto wallet means none of the UK protections apply: no age and identity checks, no deposit limits, no Gamstop and no independent dispute service if a payout goes wrong. If you want to bet on events, use a licensed operator. Our guides to whether it is safe to sign up and sports or casino sign-up offers explain the licensed options.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Free, confidential help 24/7: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, or see our safer gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
Are prediction markets legal in the UK?
Only if the operator holds a Gambling Commission licence. The Commission treats them as betting intermediaries.
Can I use Polymarket in the UK?
Polymarket is not licensed in Great Britain and blocks UK users.
Is Kalshi available in the UK?
No. Kalshi is not licensed here and does not serve UK users.
Are there legal prediction markets in the UK?
Yes, through licensed betting exchanges such as Matchbook, which powers easyBet Predictions and ADI Predictstreet.
Related pages
Sources
- Gambling.com: are prediction markets legal in the UK? (opens in a new tab)
- LawCareers.Net / RPC: the anatomy of a prediction market (opens in a new tab)
- European Gaming: prediction markets vs sports betting (opens in a new tab)
- The Paypers: FCA reportedly confirms talks with prediction markets (opens in a new tab)
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