TITLE: Spain Allies with Eight European Countries to Strengthen Sports Betting Oversight During 2026 FIFA World Cup
BODY:
On June 18, 2026, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda announced that nine European nations—Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland—have signed an institutional declaration committing to intensified supervision of sports betting and prediction markets during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The declaration aims to enhance consumer protection and betting integrity during one of the world's most-watched sporting events, when betting activity typically increases significantly. Spain's General Directorate of Consumption and Gaming will intensify surveillance of online gaming betting markets, with particular focus on ensuring operators comply with licensing requirements, advertising standards, and player protection obligations. The authorities will take appropriate action against platforms operating outside applicable regulations.
The declaration specifically addresses prediction markets—platforms enabling wagers on future event outcomes. In countries where these are unauthorised, such platforms operate without regulatory safeguards and may incorporate elements encouraging problematic gambling behaviour, including 24-hour access, absent or ineffective time and stake limits, and insufficient age verification controls. The signatory authorities will pay particular attention to these activities.
The declaration also calls on sports federations, leagues, clubs, and teams to verify the legal status of companies with which they establish commercial or sponsorship agreements, ensuring compliance with each country's legislation.
Spain's Ministry has already taken enforcement action, opening a sanctioning proceeding against prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi and ordering the precautionary blocking of their websites for operating in Spain without required administrative authorisation. Cross-border cooperation will continue beyond the tournament, establishing coordination mechanisms to create a safer, more transparent and responsible gaming environment.