Polymarket Defies Ban: Singapore Bets Surge in 2026
Dr. Annelies De Vos ·
Listen to this article~3 min
Polymarket, a crypto prediction market, sees over $100,000 in daily bets from Singapore despite a 2024 ban. Weather predictions, like hitting 95°F, drive the surge. A look at how users bypass restrictions and what it means for US gambling pros.
Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market, has become a magnet for Singaporean bettors despite being officially blocked in the country since late 2024. You'd think a ban would slow things down, right? Not even close. In fact, the platform is seeing a massive spike in activity tied to local events, with daily wagers exceeding $100,000 in April 2026 alone.
### What's Driving the Action?
The most popular bets aren't on politics or sports—they're on the weather. Seriously. One standout market is whether Singapore will hit 95°F (that's about 33°C) on April 17. It sounds quirky, but people are putting real money behind these predictions. And it's not just a one-off; daily temperature bets have become a consistent draw, with thousands of users participating.
Why the obsession with weather? It's simple: prediction markets thrive on clear, verifiable outcomes. Temperature data is objective and easy to verify, making it a low-friction way to gamble. Plus, Singapore's tropical climate means the outcome is never a sure thing, which keeps the odds interesting.
- **Daily wagering volume:** Over $100,000 per day in April 2026
- **Most popular bet:** Will Singapore reach 95°F on April 17?
- **Platform status:** Officially blocked but still accessible via workarounds
### How Users Get Around the Block
Polymarket isn't just sitting back. The platform uses cryptocurrency transactions, which makes it harder for authorities to track and block. Users in Singapore have found ways to access it through VPNs and decentralized wallets, bypassing the ban. It's a cat-and-mouse game, and so far, the mice are winning.
But here's the thing: this isn't just about gambling. Polymarket operates as a prediction market, which some argue is a form of information gathering rather than betting. The line is blurry, and regulators are struggling to keep up.
### The Bigger Picture for US Professionals
For professionals in the US following online casino trends, this story matters. It shows how crypto-based platforms are reshaping the gambling landscape, even in heavily regulated markets. Singapore's ban hasn't stopped the flow of money—it's just pushed it underground. If you're in the industry, this is a wake-up call: traditional regulations may not be enough to curb crypto betting.
What do you think? Will more countries follow Singapore's lead, or will they adapt to the crypto reality? One thing's for sure: the demand isn't going away. As long as there's a way to bet, people will find it.
### What's Next for Polymarket?
The platform shows no signs of backing down. With daily volumes climbing and new markets popping up, Polymarket is proving resilient. For now, the focus remains on Singapore, but don't be surprised if similar trends emerge in other regions. The lesson? In the world of crypto betting, bans are just speed bumps.