European gambling regulators discuss illegal betting, advertising and prediction markets in Germany
Regulation2 min read
European gambling regulators met in Halle (Saale), Germany, on 4 November 2026, with the GGL hosting and Italy’s ADM represented by Elisabetta Poso. The authorities discussed cross-border information sharing and cooperation on illegal online gambling, advertising rules and prediction markets, which the GGL said raise similar regulatory questions across jurisdictions.
European gambling regulators met on 4 November 2026 in Halle (Saale), Germany. The agenda covered action against illegal online gambling, rules on advertising and the regulation of prediction markets.
The meeting was hosted by the GGL, Germany's gambling regulator. Italy's ADM also took part, represented by Elisabetta Poso. Other participants included France's ANJ, Spain's DGOJ, the British Gambling Commission, Austria's federal finance ministry and Portugal's Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos.
The GGL said online gambling offers cross national borders and operators can address users in several markets at once. Supervisory authorities, by contrast, exercise their powers within their own legal systems.
Participants examined three areas of cooperation. The first is cross-border information sharing, which lets authorities build a fuller picture of activity affecting several jurisdictions. The second is the exchange of experience between national administrations. The third is the early identification of new market developments, with emphasis on emerging business models.
The GGL specifically referred to prediction markets, saying platforms that allow trading in contracts tied to the outcome of future events raise similar regulatory questions in several jurisdictions. The topic was placed on the agenda alongside advertising regulation and action against illegal online offers. The questions concern the legal classification of the activities, the distinction between financial instruments and gambling products, the powers of supervisory authorities and the conditions for access to national markets.
The GGL and the UKGC signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a structured exchange of information between the two authorities. Among its first initiatives is a pilot project on sharing information about websites that offer gambling services illegally.