Polymarket is rolling out new tools for users who want to limit their trading, including deposit caps, self-exclusion and access to addiction treatment, per a Wednesday press release, Sept. 30.
But the company it picked to help with that, Birches Health, has already taken a pretty clear view of the broader debate around prediction markets.
- In a November 2025 article, Birches put Polymarket under the heading "New gambling platforms target young audiences."
- The story said platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi let people as young as 18 put money on sports, politics and other real-world outcomes.
Birches Health
New York says it is gambling
On Sept. 24, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Polymarket, alleging that the company was offering illegal gambling in the state.
One of the state's arguments is that Polymarket lets 18-to-20-year-olds participate, while regulated mobile sportsbooks in New York require users to be at least 21.
The company also filed its own federal lawsuit the same day and said it would fight New York's case.
Six days later came the new safeguards
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Polymarket announced a new Trust and Safety program.
Users can now lock themselves out of the platform for 30 days, a year or permanently. U.S. users can also set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits. Birches Health will provide support for users dealing with compulsive trading behavior, including assessments, recovery plans and treatment.
Polymarket says the changes are part of a broader push to protect users as the platform grows.