Polymarket is officially banned in Singapore. In January 2025, the Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) of Singapore declared the platform an illegal unlicensed gambling site and implemented DNS-level blocking nationwide. Attempting to access it carries real legal penalties, including fines of up to SGD 10,000 and up to six months imprisonment.
This guide explains the full legal context, what penalties exist, and the practical realities for Singapore-based users who are researching the platform. If you are new to the platform, read our overview of what Polymarket is before going further.
For the complete legal breakdown, see our dedicated article on whether Polymarket is legal in Singapore.
- The GRA officially blocked Polymarket in January 2025 under the Gambling Control Act 2022
- Penalties for individual users include fines up to SGD 10,000 and up to six months in prison
- Bypassing the DNS block via VPN does not make usage legal and violates Polymarket’s own terms of service
- The only legal online gambling option in Singapore is Singapore Pools, a government-owned entity
- Polymarket holds no MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) license and cannot legally serve Singapore residents
Why Singapore Banned Polymarket?
Singapore operates one of the most tightly regulated gambling frameworks in the world. The Gambling Control Act 2022 (GCA) replaced the earlier Remote Gambling Act and consolidates all gambling regulation under a single framework, covering online and land-based activity. Under this law, only operators explicitly licensed by the GRA may offer gambling services to Singapore residents.
Polymarket’s event contracts, where users stake USDC on real-world outcomes, were classified by the GRA as remote gambling. The platform had no GRA license and did not apply for one, triggering the January 2025 block. The GRA published a formal notice on its website informing users that accessing or using the platform is unlawful.
Who Is Allowed to Offer Online Gambling in Singapore?
Under the GCA framework, only two entities hold a legal exemption to offer gambling services in Singapore. Singapore Pools operates lotteries and sports betting, and Singapore Turf Club operates horse racing betting. All other operators, domestic or foreign, are prohibited from offering real-money gambling services to Singapore residents without a GRA license.
What the Penalties Actually Mean for Users?
Singapore’s gambling laws are enforced seriously, and the penalty structure is explicitly tiered. The GRA and Singapore Police Force have been granted broad powers to act against users, operators, payment processors, and advertisers involved in unlicensed gambling since 1 January 2025.
- Individual users: Fine of up to SGD 10,000, up to six months imprisonment, or both
- Unlicensed operators: Fine of up to SGD 500,000, up to seven years imprisonment
- Repeat offenders (operators): Fine of up to SGD 700,000, up to ten years imprisonment
- Payment facilitation: Banks and payment processors are required to block transactions to unlicensed gambling platforms
- Advertising: Promoting unlicensed gambling services is also a criminal offence under the GCA
These are not theoretical penalties. Singapore has previously prosecuted individuals for participation in unlicensed online gambling, and the authorities have explicitly stated that VPN circumvention does not provide legal cover.
Can You Access Polymarket With a VPN in Singapore?
Technically, a VPN can bypass the DNS block placed on polymarket.com by Singapore ISPs. However, doing so does not make usage legal in any way. Singapore law applies to residents regardless of the technical method used to access a platform. The GRA has made clear that circumventing access blocks is treated as a continuation of the unlawful activity, not a separate technical workaround.
Additionally, Polymarket’s own terms of service prohibit users from bypassing geo-restrictions. Accounts identified as using VPNs to circumvent country-level restrictions risk suspension and potential fund holds. Understanding whether Polymarket can freeze your funds is a critical consideration before depositing anything on the platform from a restricted jurisdiction.
MAS, Crypto Regulation, and Polymarket
Singapore is globally recognized as a crypto-forward jurisdiction. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates digital asset service providers under the Payment Services Act 2019 and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022. As of 2026, 33 companies hold active MAS digital payment token licenses.
However, MAS regulation of crypto assets is entirely separate from the GRA’s gambling framework. The fact that Polymarket uses USDC and operates on blockchain does not reclassify it as a financial product under MAS supervision. The GRA’s classification as an unlicensed gambling platform takes precedence, regardless of the underlying crypto infrastructure.
Legal Alternatives for Singapore Residents
Singapore residents who want to participate in event-based speculation legally have very limited options within the country. Singapore Pools offers licensed sports betting with a narrow market selection.
For broader financial speculation, MAS-licensed crypto exchanges allow trading in digital assets, though they do not offer prediction market contracts.
If you are evaluating prediction platforms globally and want to understand how Polymarket compares to its regulated competitors, our breakdown of Polymarket vs Kalshi vs PredictIt covers key differences in market access, fees, and regulatory status.
For a broader look at where the prediction market industry is heading, our prediction markets data and trends report provides useful context on the global landscape.
If you decide to proceed despite the legal risks, the mechanics of using Polymarket are the same as in any other country.
You will need a MetaMask wallet funded with USDC on the Polygon network, a government-issued ID for the KYC verification process, and a crypto exchange account to purchase USDC.
Review the trading fees and withdrawal options before depositing, and use a structured Polymarket trading strategy to manage your positions with discipline. You can also use our Polymarket payout calculator to estimate returns before committing to a position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to access Polymarket in Singapore?
A VPN can technically bypass the DNS block, but it does not make usage legal. Singapore law applies to residents regardless of the access method used. The GRA has explicitly stated that circumventing access restrictions is treated as continuation of unlawful activity, not a separate matter.
What is the only legal online betting platform in Singapore?
Singapore Pools is the only entity legally authorised to offer online sports betting and lottery services to Singapore residents. Singapore Turf Club holds a separate exemption for horse racing betting. All other operators, including Polymarket, are prohibited from serving Singapore residents.
Does MAS regulation of crypto affect Polymarket’s status in Singapore?
No. MAS regulates digital payment token service providers under the Payment Services Act, but this framework is entirely separate from the GRA’s gambling regulation. Polymarket’s use of USDC and blockchain technology does not reclassify it as a financial product under MAS oversight. Its GRA classification as an unlicensed gambling platform takes full precedence.
