Polymarket Launches First US App After Securing CFTC Approval

​Polymarket has released its first US mobile app, re-entering the American market with real-money sports event contracts under federal oversight. The launch follows approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), marking the company’s first regulated US offering since it was forced offshore in 2022.

Polymarket said on X that access is being rolled out to select US users on a waitlist. The iOS app launches initially with sports event contracts, with plans to expand into other categories. Android support is expected later.

Return Enabled by CFTC No-Action Relief

The relaunch follows a CFTC no-action letter issued about three months ago to a crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse acquired by Polymarket. The approval allows the firm to offer event contracts through an intermediated, regulated structure similar to a commodities-style exchange.

Under this model, Polymarket facilitates trading on event outcomes rather than direct wagering. Contracts fall under federal derivatives rules.

Sports First, Broader Markets to Follow

Polymarket said its US product roadmap will extend beyond sports to markets on news events, policy decisions, and potentially elections, depending on regulatory constraints. The platform expects sports contracts to help establish liquidity before expanding into other categories.

Prediction Markets See Rising Activity

The launch comes amid growing demand for regulated prediction markets. Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi saw significant trading activity in 2024, driven by contracts linked to US elections and macroeconomic developments.

Kalshi recently closed a $1 billion funding round at an $11 billion valuation. In October, the platform recorded roughly $4.4 billion in trading volume, compared with Polymarket’s $3 billion.

Regulatory Shift from 2022 Enforcement Action

Polymarket’s new US presence operates on a different regulatory footing from its earlier model. In 2022, the CFTC ordered the company to stop offering unregistered event contracts and imposed a $1.4 million civil penalty, pushing the platform to restrict US access and rebuild its compliance framework.