TITLE: Germany's Joint Gambling Authority Warns Against Illegal Sports Betting During 2026 FIFA World Cup
BODY:
On June 9, 2026, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany's joint gambling authority, issued a warning against participation in illegal sports betting ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which began on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The GGL anticipates increased demand for sports betting during the tournament and has intensified its supervisory and enforcement measures accordingly.
The authority emphasised that illegal betting offers circumvent mandatory player protection, youth protection, and consumer protection measures. Consumers using illegal platforms face heightened risks of fraud and unfair business practices. The GGL's warning aligns with recent statements from Hendrik Streeck, Germany's federal drug and addiction commissioner, who identified illegal gambling as a central problem in addiction prevention.
Ronald Benter, GGL board member, advised consumers to verify operators against the official whitelist before placing bets, stating that "consumers should inform themselves on the official whitelist about which offers are legal." In Germany, only operators holding valid gambling licences may offer sports betting. All authorised sports betting providers are listed on the official whitelist, which consumers can filter by "sports betting."
To strengthen oversight during the tournament, the GGL has enhanced supervisory activities including monitoring advertising campaigns, surveying online sports betting offerings, observing broadcast transmissions and streaming platforms, and analysing new betting offers and markets. The authority collaborates with national and international partners, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA, and UEFA, to identify manipulation risks early and protect sporting integrity.
The GGL encourages consumers, sports organisations, media representatives, and market participants to report suspicious offers and potential violations through its reporting system. The authority provides guidance on reporting illegal gambling on its website.