Polymarket is accessible in Uzbekistan — the platform does not geoblock Uzbek IP addresses. Uzbekistan is notably crypto-friendly for Central Asia: it legalized cryptocurrency trading, mining and exchange activity by presidential decree starting in 2018 and regulates a licensed VASP sector. Here’s what Uzbek users need to know about using Polymarket.
Current Status: Accessible
Uzbekistan is not on Polymarket’s geoblocked countries list. The platform is fully accessible from Uzbek IP addresses. Uzbek users can sign up, deposit, and trade on all available markets.
Since 2018, Uzbekistan has taken a constructive stance toward crypto: trading, mining and exchange services are legal, and a framework of licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operates under the National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP). Residents are expected to trade through these licensed domestic platforms using the national currency (UZS), which gives the country a functioning local on-ramp.
The legal landscape for prediction markets in Uzbekistan sits in a grey area: cryptocurrency itself is legal and regulated, but there is no specific law addressing decentralized prediction markets such as Polymarket. There is no record of enforcement against Uzbek Polymarket users.
The Legal Landscape
National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP)
The National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP) is the licensing authority for crypto-asset turnover in Uzbekistan. It regulates crypto exchanges, mining pools, depositories and related service providers under a framework established by presidential decree in 2018 and refined by later decrees (including a 2020 decree that set up a regulatory sandbox, and subsequent special-tax-regime measures for the sector).
Under this framework, residents can buy and sell cryptocurrency through licensed domestic VASPs using Uzbekistani som (UZS). The most prominent licensed exchange is UzNEX, and there is a licensed digital-asset depository (Lockton Hub). A handful of other local platforms have historically held licenses as crypto exchanges or service providers.
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan oversees the payment and financial system and has at various points signaled interest in a central bank digital currency (a digital sum pilot). The central bank does not prohibit private crypto ownership; rather, the main regulatory emphasis is on routing retail crypto activity through licensed institutions.
Gambling and Prediction Markets
Uzbekistan does not have a specific legal framework that addresses online prediction markets. Prediction markets like Polymarket operate in a gap between gambling law and the crypto-asset regime. There is no explicit ban and no specific enforcement action against users, but the activity is legally undefined.
How to Deposit from Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s regulated on-ramp is a strong point: you can buy crypto through a licensed local exchange using a bank transfer or card in som (UZS).
Step 1: Buy USDC on a Licensed Local Exchange
| Exchange | UZS Support | Bank Transfer | Card Payments | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UzNEX | Yes | Yes | Yes | Principal licensed crypto exchange in Uzbekistan |
| Crypton.uz | Yes | Yes | Yes | Licensed local platform |
| AYTA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Licensed local platform |
| OKX | No (P2P/GBP via card) | No | Yes | International exchange usable via card or P2P |
Deposit Methods Explained
Local licensed exchanges (UzNEX, Crypton.uz, AYTA): These platforms accept Uzbekistani som (UZS) via bank transfer or card and are the regulated way for residents to convert som into crypto. This is the recommended and legally-compliant route.
International cards: If you hold a Visa or Mastercard, you can often buy USDC or USDT directly on global exchanges. Card purchases may carry higher fees and can be declined depending on your bank.
P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Trading: P2P trading on exchanges such as OKX lets you buy USDC from local sellers using bank transfer, useful as a secondary route.
Step 2: Transfer USDC to Polymarket
- Go to Deposit on Polymarket
- Select Use Crypto and copy your deposit address
- Send USDC from your exchange to the Polymarket address
- Choose Polygon for the lowest fees ($3 minimum, arrives in seconds)
For the full walkthrough, see our How to Deposit on Polymarket guide.
Tax Implications
Uzbekistan has been notably favorable to crypto from a tax perspective.
0% Individual Crypto Tax
Under the framework established by presidential decree, income that residents earn from cryptocurrency trading and exchange operations has historically been subject to a 0% tax rate. This means retail crypto trading profits have effectively not been taxed for individuals in Uzbekistan — a significant advantage relative to most countries.
- There is no dedicated crypto income tax for individuals under this framework.
- Trading income from licensed platforms is treated favorably for tax purposes.
Reporting Requirements
- Keep dated records of all deposits, trades, withdrawals, and UZS/USD conversion rates.
- Export your trade history (CSV) from each exchange.
- Tax rules for crypto are evolving (including new special tax regimes and measures aimed at foreign participants) — always confirm the current position with a tax adviser.
What You Don’t Pay
- No personal income tax on crypto trading gains (0% rate under the current framework).
- There is no dedicated crypto surcharge for individual investors.
Getting Started
If you’re in Uzbekistan and want to start trading on Polymarket:
- Sign up for Polymarket — under 2 minutes, no KYC required
- Buy USDC on UzNEX (or another licensed exchange) via bank transfer in UZS
- Deposit on Polymarket — transfer USDC via Polygon
- Place your first trade — start with a small amount
- Use limit orders to avoid taker fees — only taker orders pay fees on Polymarket
Related Guides
- How to Sign Up for Polymarket — Create your account
- How to Deposit on Polymarket — Full deposit guide
- How to Trade on Polymarket — Market orders, limit orders, and tips
- Polymarket Fees Explained — Fee breakdown by category