Nine countries join forces on gambling oversight
Nine European countries have agreed to step up joint oversight of sports betting and prediction markets ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a coordinated effort to protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland are taking part in the initiative, which will focus on online gambling operators, advertising rules, player protection measures and the detection of illegal platforms.
According to Digi24, the cooperation is intended to strengthen supervision across borders during the tournament and create a safer, more transparent gambling environment for users.
Spain to monitor operators closely
In Spain, the work will be led by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, through the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs and Gambling.
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The Spanish authority is expected to keep close watch on licensed operators to ensure they meet their obligations on licensing, advertising and player protection. Similar efforts are expected across the other participating countries as regulators prepare for a sharp rise in betting activity during the World Cup.
The cooperation is also designed to improve coordination between national authorities, making it easier to identify breaches and act against companies operating outside the law.
Warning over unauthorized prediction platforms
European authorities have also warned against unlicensed prediction markets, where users can bet on the outcome of future events.
Regulators say such platforms may operate without the safeguards required under national gambling laws, creating risks for consumers and potentially encouraging harmful gambling behaviour. The warning reflects growing concern over betting products that sit outside traditional sports wagering but still expose users to similar risks.
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Clubs urged to check sponsors
Sports federations, leagues, clubs and teams are being urged to verify the legal status of gambling and prediction-market companies before signing sponsorship or commercial agreements.
Authorities want sports organisations to ensure that any partnership complies with the laws of the country in which it operates, reducing the risk of links with unregulated or illegal businesses.
The joint initiative is not expected to end with the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup. The participating countries have said they intend to continue working together after the tournament, making cross-border gambling supervision a longer-term priority in Europe.
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