European regulators issue betting warnings ahead of World Cup

Gambling regulators across Europe have issued fresh warnings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Betting activity is expected to rise sharply during the tournament.

The competition starts on Thursday, 11 June, and will be the largest World Cup to date. A total of 48 teams will compete across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This gives operators a major global marketing opportunity.

Regulators are now trying to balance that commercial push with public warnings around safer gambling, illegal betting sites and suspicious betting activity.

Major football tournaments often bring in casual bettors in addition to their regular customers. It’s a challenge for regulators. This is particularly true when betting adverts, promotions and live odds are likely to be highly visible throughout the competition.

France launches safer betting campaign

In France, gambling regulator ANJ expects strong interest in the tournament. This is particularly pertinent as the French national team are one of the favourites.

The regulator expects 57% of the French population to follow the World Cup. It also expects 41% of viewers to place a bet during the tournament. That would be higher than both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

ANJ has responded with a new awareness campaign created with agency LIBRE. The campaign uses yellow hazard-style tape across betting adverts. This shows the point at which gambling can become risky.

The message is direct. Betting may be part of the tournament for many fans, but it can quickly move from entertainment to harm if losses build or behaviour becomes difficult to control.

Germany warns against illegal operators

Germany’s regulator, the GGL, has focused on the black market. The authority has warned players to check whether betting operators are licensed before placing World Cup bets. Germany has faced repeated concerns over channelisation. Offshore operators are still attracting German players.

GGL chief executive Ronald Benter said major sporting events usually lead to increased interest in sports betting. He urged consumers to use the official whitelist to check which operators are legal.

The regulator is also monitoring promotions, broadcasts and online betting offers. Its message is simple: players should avoid unlicensed sites and only use operators permitted under German law.

Malta reminds operators of their duties

The Malta Gaming Authority has taken a different approach by addressing licence holders directly.

The MGA reminded operators to monitor betting activity closely and report suspicious patterns without delay. The warning was issued in collaboration with FIFA and reflects the integrity risks linked to a tournament of this size.

Malta-licensed operators are expected to maintain good internal controls and escalate suspicious betting activity through the proper reporting channels.

Belgium shares support options

Belgium’s Gaming Commission has also issued a World Cup warning too. Here, the focus is on player protection.

The regulator reminded bettors that gambling involves financial risk and that players should only stake what they can afford to lose. It also pointed consumers towards the Belgian whitelist and the national self-exclusion system, EPIS.

Across Europe, the message is consistent. The World Cup may be a major betting event, but regulators do not want excitement around the tournament to override basic safeguards.