Nine European gambling regulators issued a joint statement on June 17 pledging coordinated enforcement against unlicensed prediction markets during the World Cup. The statement, signed by authorities in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, warned sports bodies to verify platform legality before entering partnerships. The declaration follows months of national actions, including Spain's May 26 order blocking Kalshi and Polymarket, and comes as Kalshi activated a June 10 Argentine Football Association sponsorship deal with a paid post on Lionel Messi's Instagram account on June 14. The regulators cited concerns over round-the-clock access, lack of stake or time limits, and weak age and identity checks on prediction platforms. Sector trading volume reached $8.6 billion in April, with Kalshi overtaking crypto-native Polymarket.
Kalshi Activates Argentine FA Sponsorship with Messi Instagram Post
Kalshi became an official World Cup sponsor of the Argentine Football Association on June 10, gaining use of the national team's crest and official match data through Genius Sports. On June 14, Kalshi activated the deal with a paid post on Lionel Messi's Instagram account, which has more than 500 million followers. Kalshi has since added the Croatian Football Federation with Luka Modrić as an ambassador. Both Kalshi and Polymarket have drawn fresh funding at multibillion-dollar valuations as investor interest builds.
Spain Blocked Kalshi and Polymarket on May 26
Spain's gambling regulator, the DGOJ, ordered internet providers on May 26 to block both Kalshi and Polymarket while it investigates whether their products amount to unlicensed gambling. France, the Netherlands, and Portugal have taken similar steps. The June 17 declaration turns that patchwork of national actions into a coordinated front for the tournament. The statement pledged information sharing across borders and action against platforms that ignore local rules.
ADI Predictstreet Holds Official World Cup License
Gibraltar-licensed ADI Predictstreet is the officially licensed prediction-market partner of the World Cup. Germany's gambling regulatory authority is already reviewing its advertising.
FAQ
What did nine European regulators announce on June 17?
Nine European gambling regulators issued a joint statement on June 17 pledging coordinated enforcement against unlicensed prediction markets during the World Cup. The statement warned sports bodies to verify platform legality before entering partnerships.
Why did Spain block Kalshi and Polymarket on May 26?
Spain's gambling regulator, the DGOJ, ordered internet providers on May 26 to block both Kalshi and Polymarket while it investigates whether their products amount to unlicensed gambling.
Who is the officially licensed prediction-market partner of the World Cup?
Gibraltar-licensed ADI Predictstreet is the officially licensed prediction-market partner of the World Cup.
