Polymarket Set for U.S. Relaunch in November with Sports Betting Focus

Blockchain prediction platform Polymarket is planning a strategic return to the United States in November 2025, with a primary focus on disrupting the sports betting market. According to reports from Bloomberg on October 28, 2025, the platform will reintroduce a licensed, sports-oriented product designed to comply with U.S. regulations, targeting high-volume events like the NFL and NBA seasons.

The relaunch follows Polymarket's exit from the U.S. in 2022 after a legal settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which included a $1.4 million fine for offering off-exchange binary options and operating as an unregistered market. A key enabler for the return was the acquisition of QCX, a Florida-based firm with CFTC licenses, providing a regulatory pathway for offering event contracts. Additionally, Polymarket secured a no-action letter from the CFTC, ensuring no enforcement action if regulatory criteria are met.

Market reaction has been notable, with shares of traditional sports betting companies Flutter and DraftKings falling 3% and 5%, respectively, indicating potential disruption. The initial product rollout in November will be limited to select users, with plans to expand. This move comes amid a booming prediction market industry, partly driven by competitor Kalshi Inc.'s court victory last year that allowed event contracts like election outcomes.

Polymarket is also seeking a valuation of up to $15 billion in upcoming fundraising, reflecting confidence in its growth. The platform's return marks a significant regulatory pivot, overcoming past challenges to tap into the lucrative U.S. sports betting sector.