
If you’re interested in prediction markets and wondering if Polymarket is legal in Texas, you will be pleased to know that yes, you can use Polymarket in Texas. The platform is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
From its introduction in 2020 to its rise, Polymarket has had quite the eventful journey. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Polymarket: how it works, its availability in the United States, the prediction markets available, and how you get to predict on events. Keep reading to learn more.
Polymarket, like other prediction market sites, allows you to buy and sell contracts based on the possible outcome of future real-world events. Essentially, each market asks a question, and you can purchase a contract from the listed possible outcomes based on what you think will happen.
Every contract is priced between $0.00 and $1.00. The price of a contract gives users an idea of the consensus on what others believe is likely to happen. For example, if a contract is currently trading for $0.80, this means that the market is saying it believes there is an 80% chance that this particular outcome will occur. If a contract is trading for $0.30, this implies a 30% chance of the outcome occurring.
Prices move up and down based on trading activity, reflecting how beliefs change in real time.
Here’s a table showing how your return can vary based on key factors:
| Event scenario | Purchase price (yes) | Outcome | Contract settlement value | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team wins | $0.60 | Team wins | $1.00 | +$0.40 |
| Team loses | $0.60 | Team wins | $0.00 | -$0.60 |
Another important fact to know about Polymarket is that the availability of buyers and sellers can affect how easily you can enter or exit a position. Contracts are bought and sold between participants, meaning that you’re generally trading against the market. Keep this in mind as you sign up and begin making trades!
If you’re just getting started with buying and selling event contracts, we suggest you practice with smaller positions until you’re more familiar with how everything works. It’s also a good idea to look into the market’s resolution rules. Essentially, each market has its own criteria that discuss what information is used to determine the outcome of an event. You should read this carefully to help you avoid any misunderstandings.
If you’re wondering, “Is Polymarket legal in California?” You’ll be happy to know that yes, it is. Polymarket operates as a regulated prediction market in the U.S. through oversight from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In November 2025, the company acquired QCEX, a CFTC-licensed derivatives exchange, giving Polymarket the necessary regulatory framework to operate in the U.S. This makes Polymarket a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM) and registered under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).
We’ve already shared that Polymarket operates unrestricted in most U.S. states, though its availability does vary by jurisdiction. But you’re good to go in Texas — as long as you’re over 18, that is.
Texas isn’t the only place from which users are trying to determine whether prediction markets are permitted, however. We’ve found that searches including “is Polymarket legal in Florida?” and “is Polymarket legal in New York?” have increased as more Americans become interested in the prediction market app. The answer to both questions is yes, by the way!
The main difference between the U.S. platform and the international platform is the available markets, though payment methods also differ. Additionally, Polymarket U.S. is only available as an app, whereas the international version is also available on a website.
The Polymarket website makes the distinction that the international version is crypto-based and operates on blockchain technology, whereas the U.S. version is fiat-based and operates as a designated contract market.
First things first, remember that Polymarket in the U.S. can only be accessed through the dedicated app. You’ll also be required to carry out Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before you can complete account registration, so be prepared to provide a photo of your ID, a selfie to verify that it is indeed you signing up, your Social Security Number (SSN), and proof of address to show that you reside in an unrestricted state.
Let’s go through the process of how to use the app step by step so that you can quickly be on your way to making predictions.
Click any banner on this page to be directed to download the Polymarket app.
Sign up with your email address or Google account.
Complete the verification process.
Connect a payment method and make a deposit — either with a debit/credit card, a bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or PayPal.
Begin trading event contracts!
Users of the Polymarket app have plenty to trade on. In terms of sports contracts, you’ve got the 2026 World Cup, NBA Finals, the NFL, NHL, and MLB to name a few. Polymarket, although only a market prediction app, is an exciting addition to the sports scene.
The app doesn’t just cover sports, though. Users can also trade event contracts on inflation data, politics, tech, the crypto market, culture, entertainment, and more.
If you’re new to Polymarket trading, here are a few tips to keep in mind for the safest and most enjoyable experience.
Set a budget and start small. Remember that no market is guaranteed, so don’t go overboard when buying contracts.
Diversify across several markets. You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket, and this way, you have a better chance of making a profit even if some of your trades aren’t successful.
Conduct your own research, always. Due diligence is essential when it comes to buying event contracts. Don’t just rely on the market or follow the crowd. An informed position is always the best position to be in.
Treat it like a hobby, not a money-maker. If you use the app primarily to learn, discover probability trends, and have fun, you’re much more likely to have a smooth long-term experience than those who are just in it for quick money.
Always keep in mind that prices change quickly. As soon as new information becomes available, you can expect the price of a contract to change. This includes news, statistics, or even changes in public opinion. Take your time conducting your research and don’t react impulsively.
Understand the rules before you trade. Check what outcome a contract covers, when it expires, and how the result will be determined. Small details in the settlement criteria can make a big difference in whether a contract ultimately pays out.
Let’s give you a quick Polymarket review in the form of some pros and cons.
At the time of writing, you can safely and confidently use the Polymarket app in Texas. Users are able to confidently make predictions and buy and sell contracts since the app now has all the correct licenses to operate in the United States and is following all federal laws and regulations. That said, the fight against prediction markets is ongoing in several parts of the country. It’s always a good idea to keep up to date with the latest news, as states each have their own policies and may suddenly restrict (or attempt to restrict) access.
Interested in getting started with the app? Follow one of the banners on this page to begin your journey.
Polymarket is legal in Washington state and other US states, but eligibility may vary by location. It’s best to check if you’re eligible to sign up and take part where you live.
No, Polymarket is a prediction market site and app in which users can buy and sell event contracts. Sports are one of the categories available on Polymarket, but the platform also covers politics, current events, economics, and more.
No. The international and U.S. versions of Polymarket are similar but not the same. The U.S. version operates under a different regulatory framework and has a more limited selection of markets. The U.S. version is also only available as an app.
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