Polymarket Receives CFTC Approval to Return to U.S. as Regulated Exchange

Prediction market platform Polymarket has received an Amended Order of Designation from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, allowing it to operate as a fully regulated exchange in the United States, the company announced Tuesday.

The approval allows Polymarket to introduce intermediated access, enabling customers to trade through futures commission merchants and brokerages to onboard users directly, integrating the platform into traditional U.S. market infrastructure.

Polymarket exited the U.S. market in 2022 after paying a $1.4 million fine for operating an unregistered derivatives platform. The company acquired CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange QCX LLC in July, positioning itself for re-entry.

"This approval allows us to operate in a way that reflects the maturity and transparency that the U.S. regulatory framework demands," said Shayne Coplan, Polymarket's founder and CEO, in a statement.

The platform has deployed enhanced surveillance systems and Part-16 reporting capabilities to meet Designated Contract Market obligations under the Commodity Exchange Act. Additional rules and processes will be implemented before the official U.S. launch.

Earlier this month, Polymarket partnered with PrizePicks, a sports entertainment operator registered as an FCM, in anticipation of its U.S. return. The company has also secured partnerships with the NHL and UFC as it prepares to offer sports-related contracts alongside political and economic event markets.

The approval marks a significant shift in regulatory posture toward prediction markets. In July, the CFTC and Department of Justice dropped investigations into whether Polymarket was still doing business with U.S. customers.

Polymarket remains subject to all CFTC regulations governing designated contract markets, including self-regulatory obligations and market supervision requirements.