Best Polymarket alternatives in 2026 — by country
By TomorrowAlpha Editorial Desk · Published · Updated
The best Polymarket alternative depends on where you live. In the US it is Kalshi (or Polymarket US). In the UK, the closest legal equivalents are UK Gambling Commission-licensed exchanges such as Smarkets, Betfair Exchange and Matchbook. In most of the EU there is no licensed real-money equivalent; Manifold Markets (play money) is the only broadly accessible option.
At a glance
- US
- Kalshi, Polymarket US (both CFTC-regulated)
- UK
- Smarkets, Betfair Exchange, Matchbook (UKGC-licensed)
- EU
- No licensed equivalent; Manifold (play money)
- Anywhere
- Manifold Markets, Metaculus (forecasting, no money)
Polymarket alternatives by country
| Where you live | Polymarket status | Best legal alternative |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Polymarket US available (not Nevada) | Kalshi; Polymarket US |
| United Kingdom | Geo-blocked | Smarkets, Betfair Exchange, Matchbook |
| Germany | Blocked; GGL: non-sports bets unlicensable | Manifold (play money) |
| Switzerland | On Gespa blocklist | Manifold (play money) |
| France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, NL | Blocked or blacklisted | Manifold (play money) |
| Canada | Ontario restricted | Manifold; licensed provincial sportsbooks |
| Australia | ACMA ISP block | Licensed bookmakers; Manifold |
| India | Government block (May 2026) | Manifold (play money) |
Is there a Polymarket equivalent in the UK?
Yes — betting exchanges. A betting exchange matches buyers and sellers peer-to-peer exactly like Polymarket's order book; the UK simply licenses it as gambling. Smarkets, Betfair Exchange and Matchbook are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and list political and current-events markets alongside sport. Neither Kalshi nor Polymarket holds a UK licence. Details: prediction markets in the UK.
Kalshi competitors and Polymarket alternatives in the US
Kalshi and Polymarket US are the two largest CFTC-regulated venues. Brokerages such as Robinhood, Coinbase and Crypto.com also offer event contracts through CFTC-regulated exchanges. Compare them in Kalshi vs Polymarket.
Free alternatives that work everywhere
- Manifold Markets — play-money prediction market (Mana), open globally, anyone can create a market. See what is Manifold Markets.
- Metaculus — reputation-based forecasting platform, no money involved.
- TomorrowAlpha — read live Polymarket and Kalshi odds without an account, wherever you are: live markets.
Can I just use a VPN?
Don't. Polymarket's and Kalshi's terms prohibit circumventing geo-restrictions, accounts can be frozen with funds inside, and in several countries (Germany, Switzerland, Italy) taking part in unlicensed gambling can itself be an offence.
Follow live odds on TomorrowAlpha →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Polymarket alternative in the UK?
UK Gambling Commission-licensed betting exchanges — Smarkets, Betfair Exchange and Matchbook — are the closest legal equivalents. Polymarket and Kalshi are not available to UK users.
Who is Kalshi's main competitor?
Polymarket, through both its CFTC-regulated US exchange and its international crypto platform. Brokerages such as Robinhood, Coinbase and Crypto.com also offer event contracts through regulated exchanges.
Is there a legal Polymarket alternative in the EU?
Not for real money in most member states: nine EU/EEA gambling regulators said in June 2026 that unlicensed prediction markets are illegal in their countries. Manifold Markets (play money) is the widely accessible option.
Sources
Related guides
Editorial information, not legal or financial advice. Regulations change frequently — last verified 12 Oct 2026.