Germany’s Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states (GGL) has warned consumers against using illegal sports betting sites during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as regulators prepare for a rise in betting activity around the tournament.
The World Cup begins on 11 June across the US, Mexico and Canada, with an expanded 48-team format expected to generate increased betting interest across regulated and unregulated markets.
Major international sporting events have historically led to spikes in wagering activity, prompting regulators across Europe to intensify monitoring efforts and consumer protection campaigns.
In Germany, sports betting can only be offered by operators holding a valid licence under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling.
The framework, introduced in 2021, created a nationwide regulatory structure for online gambling and placed responsibility for licensing and enforcement with GGL.
Since its formation, the regulator has focused heavily on reducing black-market activity and increasing channelisation towards licensed operators.
GGL said it will intensify supervisory activity during the World Cup, including reviews of sports betting advertising, monitoring online betting offers, observing radio and streaming broadcasts and analysing new betting products and markets that emerge during the tournament.
The regulator also confirmed it would continue information-sharing arrangements with national and international stakeholders including FIFA, UEFA and the International Olympic Committee, with a focus on identifying potential match manipulation risks and protecting sporting integrity.
GGL board member Ronald Benter said: “Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup regularly lead to increased interest in sports betting. Consumers should therefore consult the official whitelist to find out which offers are legal.”
The warning follows continued debate around the size of Germany's illegal gambling market. While GGL has reported progress in channelising players towards licensed operators, industry groups and market observers continue to dispute the scale of offshore activity.
The issue has become a central focus for regulators across Europe as unlicensed operators increasingly use digital marketing, alternative payment methods and cross-border platforms to reach consumers.
GGL has also encouraged consumers, sports organisations, media representatives and other market participants to report suspected illegal gambling activity or breaches of gambling regulations through its reporting system during the tournament.
Germany's warning also forms part of a wider international regulatory response ahead of the tournament. This week, authorities in Singapore announced enhanced enforcement measures against illegal betting operators alongside new public awareness campaigns, while Malaysia said it would intensify monitoring and blocking of gambling websites, applications and related promotional content.
In Hong Kong, police warned that betting through overseas gambling websites and some prediction market platforms could expose consumers to criminal liability under local law. Elsewhere, regulators in France, Belgium and the Netherlands have focused on advertising restrictions and responsible gambling measures as betting activity is expected to increase during the World Cup.
Earlier this month, GGL used the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) conference to advocate stronger cross-border cooperation against illegal gambling. The regulator highlighted the importance of data-driven enforcement, information sharing and coordinated action between European authorities.
Germany's regulator also serves as the national contact point for information relating to potential sports betting manipulation during the FIFA World Cup
