Structure

Polymarket issues clarifications in a consistent way so that traders can easily find and understand them.

Polymarket issues clarifications by adding an Additional context note at the top of the market rules. They are also announced in the #clarifications channel on Discord.

Pre-Announcement

When traders ask for clarification or a dispute arises, Polymarket often issues a clarification soon after. If more time is needed before making a decision, Polymarket will usually post a pre-announcement stating when a decision will be made.

Example: In Russian strike on Poland by September 30?, Polymarket pre-announced a possible clarification at 3:00 p.m. ET. At that time, Polymarket clarified that the market was not ready to be resolved.

No clarifications will be made clause

In exceptionally rare cases, Polymarket may include the statement "no updates or clarifications will be made to the market rules." This clause prevents future changes and ensures the market resolves based on its original wording.

Example: In Biden senile during the debate?, the rules stated that "no updates or clarifications will be made to this market's rules." When a dispute came up, Polymarket did not issue a clarification.

What Clarifications Include

Clarifications usually explain what happened, how Polymarket interprets it, and what that means for resolution. They often include a short summary of the event, supporting evidence, and how the market should resolve.

Example: In Trump strikes another drug boat by Sep 30?, Polymarket issued the following clarification: "As of the end date of this market, a consensus of credible reporting confirming that a qualifying strike occurred within this market's timeframe had not been achieved."

Cross-Market Applicability

Clarifications may apply to markets with similar wording, subject matter, or criteria. This helps ensure consistency and reduce duplicate disputes.

Example: In Elon Musk out as Head of DOGE in 2025?, Polymarket clarified that Elon Musk had ceased to be head of DOGE. That clarification also applied to related markets such as Elon out of Head of DOGE before July? and Elon out of Trump administration in 2025?

Frequency

Polymarket usually issues at most one pre-announcement and one clarification per market. However, in highly contentious or fast-changing situations, such as geopolitics, multiple clarifications may be necessary.

Example: In Lord Miles completes 40-day water fast in the desert?, Polymarket issued five clarifications as the situation evolved.