Polymarket Prepares US Relaunch Centered on Sports Betting Opportunities

Polymarket, the prominent blockchain and crypto based prediction market platform, stands on the cusp of a significant return to the American market after years of operating abroad. The company plans to initiate trading for US users by late November 2025 according to Bloomberg, with an initial emphasis on sports betting to tap into one of the fastest-growing sectors in gambling. This development comes after Polymarket resolved key regulatory challenges and secured the infrastructure needed for compliant operations.

The platform’s journey back to the US reflects a broader evolution in how cryptocurrency technologies intersect with traditional finance and entertainment. Once forced to relocate offshore due to regulation and enforcement actions, Polymarket has rebuilt its position through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Users can now join a waitlist for access, signaling strong anticipation for what could reshape event-based trading in the country.

Regulatory Clearance and Acquisition Strategy

Polymarket’s path to relaunch gained momentum earlier this year when the Department of Justice and Commodity Futures Trading Commission closed their investigations into the firm. In 2022, the company settled with the CFTC for a $1.4 million fine over allegations of offering unregistered swaps to US customers, prompting its exit from the domestic scene. That settlement marked the end of a turbulent period, allowing Polymarket to focus on global expansion while laying groundwork for a compliant comeback.

A pivotal step in this process involved the acquisition of QCX, a firm possessing essential CFTC licenses for operating as a derivatives exchange and clearinghouse. This move provides Polymarket with the federal regulatory framework required to offer event contracts legally across the US, bypassing the patchwork of state-level rules that constrain many traditional sportsbooks. By integrating QCX’s capabilities, the platform ensures that trades settle securely using stablecoins like USDC on the Polygon network, maintaining its blockchain roots.

The relaunch comes as there is heightened interest in prediction markets, where platforms like Polymarket and rival Kalshi processed more than $6.3 billion in trading volume during October alone. Both companies have forged multi-year licensing agreements with the National Hockey League, the first such deals between a major US sports league and prediction market operators. These partnerships enable users to wager on game outcomes and player performances through structured contracts, blending the precision of blockchain with the thrill of live events.

Sports betting has emerged as a prime space for these platforms to challenge incumbents such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which operate under state-specific licenses that limit their scope. Federal oversight gives Polymarket an advantage in offering nationwide access to a wider array of markets, from NHL games to broader athletic competitions.

Polymarket’s growth underscores the maturation of crypto applications in everyday finance. The firm recently raised funds from Intercontinental Exchange at a post-money valuation approaching $9 billion, with ambitions to reach between $12 billion and $15 billion as it scales. Meanwhile, Kalshi secured $300 million in funding at a $5 billion valuation and is fielding acquisition offers around $12 billion, highlighting the competitive fervor in this space.

Adding to the momentum, Polymarket has announced plans for a native POLY token, complete with an airdrop to reward its most engaged users. Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Modabber described the token as one built for “true utility and longevity,” aimed at boosting participation and platform features. An internal market on Polymarket itself shows an 91% probability of the US launch occurring before the end of 2025, backed by over $5 million in bets.