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Prediction Markets101

Is Polymarket legal in Russia?

Regulatory status of Polymarket and Kalshi in Russia, including local gambling law, crypto regulation, tax treatment, and available alternatives.

Prediction Markets 101 editorial team Updated April 16, 2026

Short answer: Polymarket is grey zone in Russia as of April 2026. Polymarket does not require KYC at signup — crypto deposits work worldwide. Kalshi is US-only, not available here regardless of local law.

Access status

Polymarket access: Accessible but complicated. Digital Financial Assets Law 2020. International sanctions + CBR restrictions on crypto payments.

Kalshi access: US-only and sanctions-complicated.

Local law

DFA Law 2020; 2024 mining legalization. Gambling restricted.

VPN usage: Common among residents accessing geoblocked platforms. Polymarket does not require KYC at signup; crypto deposits work without fiat rails.

Locally-available alternatives

  • State-licensed sportsbooks (Fonbet, 1xStavka)

Tax treatment

13-15% income tax on crypto gains.

Local currency: RUB. Tax details are general guidance, not a substitute for a qualified local tax professional.

Accessing Polymarket from Russia

The regulatory environment for prediction markets in Russia is unclear. Polymarket is generally accessible; Polymarket itself does not require KYC at signup, and crypto deposits work without fiat rails.

FAQ

Do I need KYC for Polymarket in Russia?

No KYC is required to sign up or trade on Polymarket. Identity verification triggers only at fiat offramps above ~$10k via MoonPay or Onramper. Deposits and most trading are self-custodial via a Polygon wallet.

What is the tax treatment for Polymarket gains in Russia?

13-15% income tax on crypto gains.

Can I use a VPN to access Polymarket from Russia?

Technically yes — and it's the typical path where local access is restricted. A non-US IP (or non-restricted-country IP) plus crypto deposits gets you a functional account. Polymarket does not require KYC at signup. At large fiat offramps, a mismatched ID can result in account restriction; users who keep withdrawals to self-custody crypto avoid this. Polymarket's terms of service address VPN use — review them for your own risk tolerance.

Other countries in Europe

Last verified

This page was last verified on April 16, 2026. Law and platform policies can change — we review each country page at least quarterly.

Nothing here is legal advice. For a decision with real money on the line, consult a local lawyer familiar with derivatives or gambling law.