Polymarket wins CFTC approval, paving regulated path for US market return
Polymarket is on the way back to the US, but this time regulated under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In 2022, despite being based in New York, it moved to block US customers after pressure came from regulators under the Joe Biden administration.
Now, Polymarket has received an Amended Order of Designation from the CFTC. The approval means people in the US can now trade Polymarket contracts through regular Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) and traditional brokerages, just like they would on other federally regulated exchanges. In other words, it opens the door for Polymarket to potentially partner with companies like PrizePicks.
Today Polymarket US was approved by the @CFTC for intermediated trading – aka letting people trade Polymarket through their brokerages. A key milestone for permeating the US financial system.
Much props to our legal and US ops team. This process has historically taken years…… https://t.co/F7vTXngo9Y
— Shayne Coplan
(@shayne_coplan) November 25, 2025
Polymarket could now see similar growth in its business that Kalshi and Robinhood have in their prediction markets. However, unlike Kalshi, Polymarket operates using a crypto base, rather than fiat currency.
Speaking in the press release, Polymarket’s CEO and founder, Shayne Coplan, said:
“People rely on Polymarket because we provide clarity where there is confusion and accountability where there is ambiguity.
“This approval allows us to operate in a way that reflects the maturity and transparency that the U.S. regulatory framework demands.
“We’re grateful for the constructive engagement with the CFTC and look forward to continuing to demonstrate leadership as a regulated U.S. exchange.”
Polymarket makes changes to business ahead of US reopening
To fulfill needs in the US, the company has invested in “surveillance systems, market supervision policies, clearing procedures, and part-16 regulatory reporting capabilities.”
Prediction markets have become a hotbed for gambling in all fifty states in the US. As there are no regulatory bodies outside of the federal government, it allows Polymarket and others to offer all types of gambling under the guise of “contracts.” This includes sports gambling.
In March, DraftKings registered for a prediction market app, but it has yet to release it. In October, it acquired Railbird to provide it with the necessary tools to obtain approval from the CFTC.
It’s expected to launch in the US again in November, but with four days left, it could be December.
Featured image: Polymarket / Canva
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