Polymarket Acquires QCX for $112 Million, Resumes U.S. Operations

Polymarket, a prominent global crypto prediction market, has successfully acquired QCX LLC, a derivatives exchange and clearinghouse approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), for $112 million. This acquisition, finalized shortly after QCX received its CFTC license on July 9, 2025, opens the door for Polymarket to legally resume operations within the United States.

In 2022, Polymarket reached a settlement with the CFTC and agreed to block U.S. users, effectively barring the platform from directly serving the American market. The firm also faced regulatory scrutiny, including investigations by the Department of Justice and CFTC, which were recently dropped, clearing the way for its re-entry into the U.S. market.

With QCX’s licenses, Polymarket now possesses a fully regulated infrastructure, allowing U.S. users to trade prediction contracts with confidence and transparency. Shayne Coplan, Polymarket’s CEO, highlighted that this acquisition is a pivotal step in bringing the platform “home,” expanding access to millions of Americans interested in speculation on events ranging from politics to sports.

Polymarket gained significant attention in 2024 as a popular venue for high-stakes predictions, such as wagers on the U.S. presidential election, accounting for roughly $6 billion in contract volume during the year’s first half. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in mainstreaming crypto-based prediction markets under comprehensive regulatory oversight in the U.S.

This strategic move positions Polymarket competitively alongside other regulated event trading platforms and signals a new chapter for crypto prediction markets operating within the U.S. legal framework. The acquisition of QCX not only provides Polymarket with the necessary regulatory approvals but also enhances its operational capabilities, ensuring a seamless and compliant return to the U.S. market. This development is expected to attract more users and investors, further solidifying Polymarket’s position as a leader in the crypto prediction market space.