Polymarket’s Crypto Comeback: Sports-Focused Prediction Platform Re-enters U.S. Market

Polymarket just flipped the script—the crypto prediction platform is back in the U.S. with a sharp pivot to sports betting markets.

The Regulatory Hurdle Clear

After navigating a regulatory maze that would give traditional finance compliance officers night sweats, Polymarket secured the green light to operate stateside again. The platform bypassed the usual Wall Street gatekeepers by structuring its markets as information contracts rather than financial instruments—a move that cuts through red tape like a hot knife.

Sports as the Trojan Horse

Forget dry economic indicators. Polymarket's U.S. relaunch centers on sports outcomes—Super Bowl winners, MVP performances, championship upsets. It's a calculated play: sports markets attract mainstream attention while demonstrating the platform's core prediction technology. The strategy mirrors how crypto itself often enters through entertainment before revealing its financial teeth.

The Cynic's Corner

Traditional sportsbooks are watching from the sidelines—and sweating. Polymarket's model eliminates middlemen, offers global liquidity, and provides transparency blockchain traders expect. Meanwhile, legacy financial institutions are still trying to figure out whether crypto is an asset class or a compliance headache. Spoiler: it's both.

Polymarket isn't just predicting game outcomes—it's betting that Americans will trade speculation on touchdowns with the same enthusiasm they once reserved for stock tickers. The platform's return signals that crypto's next frontier isn't replacing banks—it's becoming the world's most sophisticated betting slip.

TLDR

• Polymarket has officially relaunched in the U.S. following CFTC approval to operate as an exchange.
• The platform is initially focusing on sports prediction markets, with plans to expand into other sectors.
• Polymarket was banned in 2022 due to regulatory violations and paid a $1.4 million fine.
• The Department of Justice ended its investigation into Polymarket in July, clearing the way for its return.
• The platform raised $2 billion in October, bringing its valuation to $9 billion.
• Polymarket aims to challenge competitors like Kalshi by offering crypto advantages on the Polygon network.

Polymarket has officially made its return to the U.S. market after securing approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The platform is now launching its U.S. app to users who had been on the waitlist. Polymarket plans to roll out sports prediction markets first, with plans to expand to other sectors soon.

Polymarket Returns to the U.S. Market

The prediction platform’s return follows a key decision from the CFTC. The commission granted Polymarket the necessary approval to operate as an exchange in the U.S. This approval allows the platform to facilitate trades in prediction markets under regulated conditions. The platform previously left the U.S. market in 2022 after facing regulatory challenges.

Against all odds.

Polymarket’s U.S app is now being rolled out to those on the waitlist.

We’re launching with sports — followed by markets on everything. pic.twitter.com/WOoVMszrqc

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) December 3, 2025

In 2022, the CFTC banned Polymarket for regulatory violations and imposed a $1.4 million fine. The platform had also been under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) over potential violations regarding U.S. users. However, the DOJ concluded its investigation in July, marking a new chapter for Polymarket’s return to U.S. operations.

Following the CFTC’s approval, Polymarket is now back in business. It has been testing its U.S. app with users who had signed up for the waitlist. The platform aims to regain its position in the growing prediction market space, starting with sports.

Kalshi and Polymarket Battle for Market Share

The approval from the CFTC strengthens Polymarket’s position in the U.S. market. With this approval, the platform can now compete directly with other major players in the prediction market sector. This includes Kalshi, a competitor that has been operating in the U.S. market since 2021 under similar regulations.

Polymarket has also seen an increase in interest from investors. The platform raised $2 billion in October, bringing its valuation to $9 billion. As interest in prediction markets grows, Polymarket aims to take a larger share of the market.

In addition to its CFTC approval, Polymarket’s expansion is occurring during a time of increased attention on prediction markets. With new developments, such as tokenized prediction markets on solana by Kalshi, the competition in the space is intensifying. Polymarket’s return could shift market dynamics and challenge Kalshi’s dominance.

Kalshi has also made strides in the prediction market industry. The platform raised $1 billion at an $11 billion valuation and recently announced a partnership with CNN. As these two platforms compete for market share, the outcome of their rivalry will likely influence the growth of prediction markets in the U.S.