TITLE: European Gambling Regulators Launch Coordinated Crackdown on Unlicensed Prediction Market Platforms
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On June 11, 2026, nine European gambling regulatory authorities announced a joint initiative targeting unlicensed prediction market platforms operating across the continent. Regulators from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland pledged enhanced cross-border cooperation to tighten oversight of prediction markets, coinciding with the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The authorities expressed growing concern over prediction markets—platforms enabling users to place bets on outcomes of future events—identifying significant consumer protection and market integrity risks. Key concerns include round-the-clock accessibility without mandatory betting limits or cooling-off periods, increasing potential for gambling harm particularly among younger users. The regulators also highlighted verification issues, noting that weak age and identity checks on unlicensed platforms raise safeguarding challenges. The authorities specifically warned sports federations, leagues, and clubs to verify the legality of prediction market partners before engaging in sponsorship or commercial relationships.
The regulatory bodies pledged to intensify information sharing and exchange expertise to enforce compliance more effectively through coordinated monitoring of advertising compliance and betting integrity safeguards. Enforcement measures will include formal warnings, sanctions, service blocking, fines, advertising restrictions, and account freezing, particularly targeting operators reliant on offshore or decentralised crypto-licences. Spain's gambling regulator, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), previously ordered temporary blocks on Polymarket and Kalshi for operating without mandatory administrative licences. Similar geoblocking efforts have been implemented in France and the Netherlands. The regulators will increase social media campaigns promoting safer gambling practices during and after the World Cup.