Polymarket operates on a hybrid system combining blockchain and cloud infrastructure. While trades are settled on-chain via the Polygon network, the platform’s order matching and Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) run off-chain using AWS servers in London (eu-west-2), with Ireland (eu-west-1) as a backup. This setup ensures fast, fee-free order execution but makes server proximity crucial for low latency.
However, geo-restrictions block access in 33 countries, including the US and UK, regardless of server proximity. For traders in accessible regions, Amsterdam is a preferred location for low-latency access to Polymarket’s London servers while staying compliant with these restrictions. Developers and traders can use the Polymarket API to check geo-blocking status and optimize their infrastructure accordingly.
Key points:
- Primary Server: AWS eu-west-2 (London)
- Backup Server: AWS eu-west-1 (Ireland)
- Restricted Countries: US, UK, Germany, and 30 others
- Best Alternative Region: Amsterdam (5–10 ms latency to London)
For optimal performance, traders should consider hosting infrastructure in Amsterdam or Ireland to balance speed and compliance.
Polymarket Server Locations: Latency Comparison and Geo-Restrictions Map
Polymarket‘s Hybrid Architecture: On-Chain and Off-Chain Infrastructure
Polymarket operates on a hybrid system that combines on-chain settlement via Polygon with off-chain order matching handled through AWS infrastructure. This setup ensures both speed and efficiency, as explained below.
Orders are matched using a Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) hosted on AWS. The system pairs buyers and sellers in real time before submitting the finalized trades to Polygon for settlement. This approach eliminates the need for gas fees and avoids the delays typically associated with fully on-chain processes.
Polygon‘s Role in On-Chain Settlement
Polygon acts as Polymarket’s settlement layer, maintaining a public and immutable record of all completed trades. The platform uses the Gnosis Conditional Tokens Framework (CTF) to generate ERC-1155 outcome tokens, which represent binary market outcomes. All transactions are conducted in USDC, which serves as the standard collateral. When two traders with opposing views match, their combined USDC is locked, and a pair of outcome tokens is issued. Upon market resolution, winners redeem $1.00 USDC for each winning token.
The cost of transactions on Polygon is notably low, averaging just $0.007 per trade. As of October 23, 2024, Polymarket accounted for about 8% of the total gas usage on the Polygon network, despite processing billions in trade volume. Future upgrades to Polygon (PIPs 60 and 43) are expected to boost transaction capacity to 1,000 per second and reduce finality time to roughly 5 seconds.
Dispute resolution is handled via UMA‘s Optimistic Oracle, which verifies real-world outcomes and ensures payouts are triggered through smart contracts. This system prevents any single entity from controlling the resolution process, maintaining both fairness and transparency. Combined with the off-chain matching system, this ensures a seamless trading experience.
AWS eu-west-2 (London): Primary Off-Chain Services
While Polygon handles trade settlements, the off-chain infrastructure in London powers fast order execution.
Polymarket’s main off-chain operations are hosted in AWS’s eu-west-2 (London) region. This is where the CLOB operator manages order matching, API endpoints, and WebSocket streams for real-time data delivery. The operator is strictly limited to facilitating trades – it does not set prices, access user funds, or make unauthorized transactions.
The London servers prioritize orders based on price-time rules, meaning the best-priced orders are filled first, followed by the earliest submissions. For traders, proximity to the eu-west-2 region can significantly affect order placement speed, especially during high market volatility.
AWS eu-west-1 (Ireland): Secondary Server Region
AWS’s eu-west-1 (Ireland) region serves as a backup, offering redundancy and maintaining low-latency access. Located about 280 miles from London and connected via high-capacity fiber, the Ireland servers provide a reliable failover option in case of disruptions in the London infrastructure.
For developers and market-makers, hosting systems near Ireland offers a practical balance. It ensures compliance while maintaining close proximity to Polymarket’s core servers, making it an excellent choice for automated trading setups. This secondary region reinforces Polymarket’s commitment to service reliability and uninterrupted operations.
Geo-Restrictions: IP-Based Blocking and Access Limitations
Polymarket’s hybrid infrastructure comes with an important caveat: geo-restrictions. These limitations apply regardless of how close users are to the platform’s servers. To comply with regulatory and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, Polymarket employs IP-based geo-blocking. This system identifies a user’s location through their IP address and restricts access for users in certain jurisdictions. Essentially, even if you’re near a key server, such as those in London, access may still be denied based on your location.
Blocked Countries and Regions
Polymarket restricts access in 33 countries globally. Notably, users in the United States and United Kingdom are entirely blocked from the platform. This means they cannot use the trading interface or place any orders. These restrictions focus on jurisdictions under OFAC sanctions or those with stringent regulations.
Some regions within otherwise accessible countries also face specific blocks. For instance, Ontario in Canada and Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk in Ukraine are restricted. Meanwhile, users in Singapore, Poland, Thailand, and Taiwan are under a "Close-Only" status. This allows them to exit existing positions but prevents them from opening new ones.
| Restriction Type | Example Locations | Trading Permissions |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Blocked | US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Australia | No access to platform |
| Close-Only | Singapore, Poland, Thailand, Taiwan | Can close positions only |
| Regional Block | Ontario (Canada); Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk (Ukraine) | Blocked within specific region |
How Geo-Blocking Affects Server Proximity
These geo-restrictions have an interesting impact when it comes to server proximity. Polymarket’s main off-chain servers are hosted in AWS eu-west-2 (London). Despite the physical closeness, users in the United Kingdom are blocked entirely due to IP-based restrictions.
The platform’s Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) system enforces these rules by rejecting any orders submitted from blocked IP addresses. Developers working with Polymarket’s API are advised to use the https://polymarket.com/api/geoblock endpoint to verify user eligibility before submitting orders. This underscores a key point: compliance takes precedence over network efficiency, and server proximity does not guarantee access.
Latency Optimization: Why Amsterdam Works for Accessible Access
Polymarket’s off-chain services are primarily hosted in AWS eu-west-2, located in London. However, with certain regions restricted, traders need a reliable alternative that maintains speed and adheres to compliance regulations. Amsterdam has proven to be an ideal choice, offering latency almost identical to London while remaining accessible under Polymarket’s geo-blocking policies. This setup ensures compliance without compromising trading performance.
Amsterdam’s Proximity to AWS eu-west-2
Amsterdam is strategically positioned within Europe’s extensive fiber-optic network, featuring direct, high-capacity links to London. It also hosts AMS-IX, one of the largest internet exchange points globally, enabling fast connections to AWS eu-west-2. The round-trip latency from Amsterdam to AWS eu-west-2 ranges between 5–12 ms, closely matching the 10–15 ms latency from Dublin (AWS eu-west-1), which Polymarket designates as the "closest non-georestricted region". These latency metrics make Amsterdam a strong alternative for seamless access to London’s servers.
Why Amsterdam Excels for Polymarket Workloads
Amsterdam offers more than just speed. The Netherlands is absent from Polymarket’s list of 33 restricted countries, ensuring that infrastructure based there can process orders without triggering geo-blocking restrictions.
Additionally, Amsterdam-based VPS providers often guarantee 99.99% uptime, which is critical for automated trading systems that operate around the clock. The city’s prominence as both a financial and internet hub ensures reliable power, stable connectivity, and direct routes to AWS eu-west-2 (London) and AWS eu-west-1 (Dublin). This reduces operational risks compared to regions where sudden regulatory shifts could disrupt access.
Comparing Latency: Amsterdam vs. Restricted Regions
A quick comparison highlights Amsterdam’s clear advantages:
| Location | Access Status | Round-Trip Latency to AWS eu-west-2 | Access Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam (NL) | Permitted | 5–12 ms | Low |
| Dublin (IE) | Permitted | 10–15 ms | Low |
| London (UK) | Blocked | Local (Primary Region) | High (Restricted) |
| Frankfurt (DE) | Blocked | 15–20 ms | High (Restricted) |
| New York (US) | Blocked | 70–80 ms | High (Restricted) |
| Oregon (US) | Blocked | 140–160 ms | High (Restricted) |
With its low latency, unrestricted access, and dependable infrastructure, Amsterdam stands out as the best option for traders seeking competitive performance while adhering to Polymarket’s geo-blocking rules. Developers should confirm eligibility before deploying infrastructure by using the geo-block detection endpoint.
Developer Tools: Geoblock Detection and Compliance Methods
Polymarket provides an API endpoint designed to ensure compliance with geo-restriction measures directly at the application level. This tool helps developers verify user IP restrictions before allowing order placements.
Using the Geo-Block Detection Endpoint
To check for restrictions, send a GET request to https://polymarket.com/api/geoblock. The endpoint automatically detects the IP address making the request and responds with a JSON object containing four key fields:
-
blocked: A boolean indicating whether the user is restricted. -
ip: The detected IP address. -
country: The ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code. -
region: The specific state or region code.
If the blocked field returns true, the user is restricted from placing orders. These restrictions apply at both the country level – covering 33 fully blocked countries – and at sub-national levels, such as Ontario in Canada or regions like Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk in Ukraine.
Additionally, some regions are classified as "close-only", meaning users can exit existing positions but cannot initiate new trades. Developers should account for this distinction programmatically, allowing users to manage their portfolios without violating restrictions.
Compliance Strategies for Developers
To avoid failed trades, integrate real-time geoblock checks into your application workflow. Call the endpoint during application startup or just before an order is placed. Use the blocked boolean to disable trading features like "Buy" or "Place Order" for restricted users. Instead of letting orders fail during submission, provide clear and actionable UI feedback.
"Before placing orders, builders should verify the location. Orders submitted from blocked regions will be rejected. Implement geoblock checks in your application to provide users with appropriate feedback before they attempt to trade." – Polymarket Documentation
For automated futures trading bots, consider deploying infrastructure in non-restricted regions, such as AWS eu-west-1 (Ireland). This approach ensures low latency while avoiding geo-restrictions. It aligns with earlier recommendations on maintaining performance and compliance simultaneously.
QuantVPS Amsterdam Infrastructure: Built for Polymarket Trading
QuantVPS taps into Amsterdam’s well-known low-latency advantage to deliver dedicated VPS solutions tailored for Polymarket trading. While Polymarket’s main servers operate in AWS eu-west-2 (London), UK access restrictions can pose challenges. QuantVPS Amsterdam bridges this gap, offering latency comparable to London while staying within an authorized jurisdiction.
Key Features of QuantVPS Amsterdam Plans
QuantVPS Amsterdam plans are designed for ultra-low latency, achieving response times of just a few milliseconds to AWS eu-west-2 (London) and eu-west-1 (Ireland). These plans include high-performance CPUs, NVMe storage for faster data handling, and unlimited 1Gbps+ network bandwidth. This ensures seamless processing of WebSocket streams from Polymarket’s Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) API, eliminating potential bottlenecks. To add reliability, all plans come with DDoS protection and automatic backups, keeping trading bots operational even during unexpected network disruptions or system issues.
Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:
- VPS Lite: Priced at $59.99 per month (or $41.99 per month with annual billing), this plan includes 4 cores and 8GB RAM.
- VPS Ultra: Offers 24 cores, 64GB RAM, and 500GB NVMe storage at $189.99 per month (or $132.99 per month when billed annually).
- Dedicated Servers: For $299.99 per month (or $209.99 per month annually), this plan provides 16+ dedicated cores and 128GB RAM, ideal for traders managing multiple automated strategies or handling high-frequency data.
These robust features make QuantVPS an ideal choice for Polymarket trading needs.
Why QuantVPS Works for Polymarket Workloads
QuantVPS leverages Amsterdam’s strategic connectivity to London and Ireland, ensuring reliable and low-latency access to Polymarket’s matching engine. This setup avoids the compliance risks tied to operating in restricted jurisdictions. Unlike VPNs, which can trigger detection systems and risk account freezes, QuantVPS offers a static IP from a permitted location, ensuring uninterrupted access.
For developers building automated trading systems, QuantVPS supports performance-heavy languages like Rust, enables connections via dedicated Polygon RPC nodes, and ensures consistent order submission speeds. This infrastructure is fully compliant with Polymarket’s geo-blocking rules. To confirm your VPS IP is unrestricted, use the GET https://polymarket.com/api/geoblock endpoint before deployment.
Conclusion
Server location plays a key role in trading performance, even in blockchain-based platforms like Polymarket. While settlement happens on-chain via Polygon, the speed of order execution depends on an off-chain matching engine hosted in AWS eu-west-2 (London).
The challenge arises because London is one of 33 restricted jurisdictions. Traders aiming for low latency must find a location close to eu-west-2 without violating geo-restrictions. Amsterdam emerges as an excellent alternative, offering latency comparable to London while staying within Polymarket’s compliance guidelines.
For developers, it’s essential to check IP eligibility using the GET https://polymarket.com/api/geoblock endpoint before launching. Pairing this with high-performance hosting ensures compliance and keeps latency consistent.
QuantVPS’s Amsterdam infrastructure meets these needs by providing millisecond-level latency to eu-west-2, unmetered bandwidth, and compliance-ready static IPs. Whether you’re running a single bot or managing multiple high-frequency strategies, choosing the right server location is crucial – and Amsterdam strikes the perfect balance between speed, connectivity, and regulatory accessibility.
FAQs
Why does Polymarket combine blockchain with cloud servers for its platform?
Polymarket employs a hybrid system to combine the strengths of blockchain technology with the efficiency of cloud infrastructure. The Polygon blockchain handles trade settlements, ensuring transactions are secure, transparent, and tamper-proof. At the same time, tasks like order routing, matching, APIs, and access controls are managed off-chain using traditional cloud servers.
This design enables Polymarket to deliver fast and reliable performance, especially for high-demand activities such as automated trading. Additionally, it supports geo-blocking enforcement. By hosting its off-chain services in AWS’s eu-west-2 (London) region, the platform achieves the low latency and scalability that a fully on-chain system couldn’t provide. This setup strikes a balance, offering a smooth trading experience while preserving the security and decentralization benefits of blockchain technology.
How do geo-restrictions affect access to Polymarket servers?
Geo-restrictions ensure that users in specific prohibited regions cannot access Polymarket’s off-chain services, such as order matching and APIs, even if they are geographically close to the servers. This is achieved through IP-based blocking implemented at the infrastructure level.
For instance, although Polymarket’s servers are mainly based in London (eu-west-2), users in restricted areas like the United Kingdom are unable to place trades or use certain features. This approach ensures the platform adheres to regional regulations while preserving its functionality and compliance.
Why is Amsterdam a preferred location for low-latency access to Polymarket’s servers?
Amsterdam is a top pick for achieving low-latency access to Polymarket’s servers, thanks to its proximity to the platform’s main infrastructure in London (AWS eu-west-2). With high-speed fiber connections linking Amsterdam to London, latency is typically just a few milliseconds. This makes it an ideal location for handling trading and analytics workloads efficiently.
Another advantage is that Amsterdam lies outside geo-restricted regions like the United Kingdom. This ensures compliance with Polymarket’s trading restrictions while delivering consistent and fast connectivity. The combination of minimal latency, reliable access, and regulatory compliance positions Amsterdam as a smart choice for Polymarket-related infrastructure.
