Polymarket Attempts Comeback in U.S. with New Regulatory Approach
Prediction market platform Polymarket has launched a campaign to re-enter the U.S. market after four years abroad. The company aims to convince regulators and the public of a new, more disciplined operation.
Prediction market platform Polymarket is undertaking a significant campaign to re-establish itself in the United States after a four-year absence. The company is working to assure policymakers, regulators, and the public that its U.S.-based operation is a more disciplined entity than its previous offshore exchange.
Polymarket was compelled to operate internationally starting in 2022, following federal charges for running an unregistered derivatives market. The offshore platform has faced criticism for issues including alleged insider trading and accepting wagers on violent events. Despite the restrictions, Americans continued to access the offshore market.
The company resumed U.S. operations in late 2025 after acquiring QCEX to obtain the necessary regulatory license. Polymarket states the new U.S. exchange is completely segregated from its international counterpart and has hired compliance, surveillance, and regulatory specialists to maintain this separation. "Trust is the product we are building here," said Dan Lee, head of U.S. operations for Polymarket.
Polymarket U.S. will operate under the regulation of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), utilizing traditional U.S. dollars, in contrast to the international platform's blockchain and cryptocurrency model. The company's renewed push into the U.S. comes as the prediction market industry has seen substantial growth, with a combined trading volume of $26.6 billion for Polymarket and rival Kalshi. However, Polymarket's reintroduction has encountered challenges, including investigations into its marketing campaigns.