Best prediction markets in the UK (2026)
Updated 12 Oct 2026
UK residents cannot legally use Polymarket or Kalshi — both platforms geo-block UK IP addresses. The best UK-accessible alternatives are Smarkets, the Betfair Exchange, and Manifold.
Smarkets — UK Gambling Commission licensed, commission varies — check current schedule, strong on political markets, tax-free winnings.
Betfair Exchange — Industry-standard peer-to-peer exchange, deepest liquidity on sport, commission varies — check current schedule.
Manifold Markets — Play-money platform with the widest topic coverage, fully unrestricted in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Polymarket blocked in the UK?
Polymarket has not sought UK Gambling Commission licensing. UK regulators treat unlicensed offshore betting/prediction exchanges as illegal to offer to UK residents.