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Polymarket enables instant self-custodial Bitcoin deposits via Lightning

The protocol credits deposits in under a second by validating transactions as they are broadcast, avoiding the 10 to 60 minute on-chain confirmation window.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Market Structure

Polymarket has added instant self-custodial Bitcoin deposits over the Lightning Network using Spark, a Bitcoin protocol aimed at faster payments and stablecoins, Bitcoin Magazine reports. The change is designed to replace the slower on-chain flow that typically required three to six confirmations and a 10 to 60 minute wait before a platform credits an account.

Bitcoin Magazine says the Lightning-based approach narrows the gap by having Spark validate a transaction at broadcast, checking for double-spend risk, fee adequacy, and replace-by-fee flags. The protocol then credits deposits in under a second and is described as absorbing confirmation risk, a concept Spark markets as zero-conf.

The upgrade also targets user costs, as the older on-chain method could carry a higher minimum deposit tied to bridging costs, which matter for traders looking to act on live markets. With Spark, Polymarket does not need to manage confirmation thresholds or run its own Lightning nodes, since a single Spark SDK handles on-chain, Lightning, and stablecoin rails.

Bitcoin Magazine adds that deposits remain self-custodial, with each wallet tied to the user’s own keys, so users retain control until a trade is executed. The article notes that Polymarket’s earlier October 2025 switch to standard on-chain deposits laid the groundwork for this faster funding push, and highlights Spark wallet providers such as Breez, Xverse, and Cake.

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