Polymarket Returns to US Market With CFTC Approval and NYC Pop-Up

Polymarket has re-entered the US market following regulatory approval and launched a public-facing marketing initiative in New York City. The company’s activities combine a return to regulated event contracts and a community-focused event.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission approved Polymarket to offer event contracts through brokerage firms, ending a period of restriction that began in 2022. After receiving this approval, Polymarket began a limited beta rollout of its app in the US, starting with selected users in December 2025.

In February 2026, Polymarket opened a temporary grocery store in Manhattan’s West Village, known as “The Polymarket.” The pop-up provided free groceries to all New Yorkers, requiring no purchase or sign-up, and ran for five days from February 12 through approximately February 15, 2026.

The store was fully stocked with items such as produce, toiletries, and meat, and attracted hundreds of people who lined up to receive free essentials. In conjunction with the event, Polymarket donated $1 million to Food Bank For New York City.

What the numbers show

• Polymarket’s free grocery store pop-up ran from February 12 to about February 15, 2026
• The company donated $1 million to Food Bank For New York City
• Polymarket resumed US operations after CFTC approval following a 2022 ban

The free grocery store initiative also served as a marketing effort in a competitive landscape. Polymarket’s event followed a similar promotion by competitor Kalshi, which previously offered $50 worth of free groceries in a one-day event.

Polymarket’s activities in New York City marked both its regulatory return and a public engagement strategy. The company’s approach included both digital onboarding through its app and in-person outreach through the pop-up store.

The pop-up grocery store was accessible to all residents, and no registration or purchase was necessary for participation. Essentials provided included a range of food and household items, aiming to reach a broad segment of the local community.

Polymarket’s return to the US market and its public-facing events reflect a combination of regulatory compliance and marketing competition within the event contract sector. The company’s donation and pop-up store were timed to coincide with its renewed US presence and to engage directly with New Yorkers.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.