How to access Polymarket US after waitlist removal

Polymarket has officially expanded access to its regulated US platform through authorized Polymarket links, allowing more American users than ever to start trading on the prediction market platform.

The move marks another major step in the rapid growth of prediction markets across North America, where platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are competing for users ahead of the 2026 World Cup, NFL season, UFC events and a packed sports calendar.

For bettors, that means more ways to engage with sports beyond traditional sportsbooks.

But it also means understanding how prediction markets work—and how they differ from standard betting apps—is becoming increasingly important.

How to access Polymarket US now:

1. Go to Polymarket.com or download the app.
2. Create a new account and enter the Polymarket code DIMERS in the referral/invite field.
3. Complete identity verification.
4. Deposit $20 to receive a $50 trading bonus instantly.

What is Polymarket?

Polymarket operates as a prediction market exchange where users trade positions on the outcome of future events.

Rather than betting against the house like a traditional sportsbook, users trade against each other in open markets, with prices moving dynamically based on supply, demand and probability.

Polymarket offers event contracts tied to sports, politics, entertainment and current events, ranging from the 2026 World Cup and UFC fights to broader news-driven topics like elections, economic policy and trending stories such as hantavirus.

The platform has also developed a strong following across Reddit and other online communities where users discuss trading strategies, market movement and event probabilities.

Polymarket US rollout continues to grow

Polymarket first announced plans to return to the US market in 2025 after acquiring QCEX and QC Clearing LLC, a Commodity Futures Trading Commission-licensed derivatives exchange.

The platform initially launched with limited access, but it has now expanded availability for US users as it continues scaling its regulated exchange.

That expansion comes after months of growing demand.

At one point, Polymarket's US waitlist reportedly exceeded one million users as interest surged around sports, politics and current-event markets.

Major sporting events, including NFL Sundays, March Madness, UFC cards and The Masters, have already driven significant trading volume on the platform, while the World Cup may present an even bigger opportunity.

For bettors looking to explore prediction markets, the broader rollout means easier access to one of the fastest-growing platforms in the space.

How Polymarket compares to Kalshi

Despite its rapid growth, Polymarket still trails Kalshi in overall US trading volume.

Kalshi regularly processes hundreds of millions of dollars in volume and currently remains the dominant regulated prediction market platform in the country.

Still, Polymarket's momentum suggests competition in the category is only increasing.

That competition could ultimately benefit bettors through more innovation, expanded market offerings and better user experiences.

And with prediction markets expected to play a larger role during the 2026 World Cup and other major sporting events, platforms across the space are racing to grow their US user bases.

Prediction markets are not the same as sportsbooks

While prediction markets may feel similar to sports betting apps on the surface, the regulatory structure behind them is different.

Traditional sportsbooks are regulated by state gaming regulators. Prediction markets, however, operate under federal oversight through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Supporters argue that prediction markets function more like financial exchanges than sportsbooks because users trade against each other rather than against an operator.

Critics argue they effectively replicate sports betting products while operating outside many state gambling frameworks.

For bettors, the key takeaway is simple: understanding the differences matters.

Rules, protections, dispute resolution processes, and responsible gambling safeguards may differ depending on the platform you use.

What bettors should understand before signing up

Prediction markets are becoming easier to access, more mainstream, and increasingly tied to major sports events.

But not every platform operates under the same rules as a traditional sportsbook.

Before signing up, bettors should understand how the platform is regulated, what protections are offered, how markets are structured, how fees, withdrawals and trading mechanics work, and whether the platform is available legally in their state.

For Polymarket: Must be 18 years or older and have a legal, U.S. residential address within the applicable state, D.C., or U.S. territories. Polymarket is a prediction market platform. Trading involves risk. Only participate where legally permitted and never trade more than you can afford to lose.

As competition between prediction market platforms intensifies, education and transparency may become just as important as access itself.