Germany’s gambling regulator has opened an investigation into ADI Predictstreet, the prediction market company promoted during World Cup soccer broadcasts through its partnership with FIFA. The review cast new attention on the activities of operators in Germany, which do not have gambling licenses, while some European regulators increased their focus on prediction market platforms.
Gemeiname Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), which oversees gambling regulations across German states, confirmed it was checking whether ADI Predictstreet’s World Cup advert violated national regulations. According to Inside World Football, the regulator is also assessing whether people located in Germany can access and use the company’s services.
ADI Predictstreet became FIFA’s official prediction market partner for the 2026 World Cup and gained widespread visibility through pitchside LED boards, stadium screens, press conferences and television broadcasts. Although the company holds a gambling brokerage license in Gibraltar and operates in the United States through arrangements related to the Fanatics and Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations, it is not licensed to offer gambling products in Germany.
German Authorities Review Advertising and Market Access
German law restricts the promotion of gambling services offered by companies without a local license. The country’s regulatory framework places heavy emphasis on addiction prevention, youth protection, spending limits and self-exclusion measures for players.
According to GGL, the investigation is considering whether ADI Predictstreet’s prominent exposure on the World Cup constituted unlawful advertising. Authorities are also evaluating whether the platform is available to German consumers, which is an unlicensed offering.
The regulator has a record of taking action against operators and promoters who target German audiences without permission. Previous court decisions have upheld enforcement measures even when gambling companies hold permits elsewhere in Europe. In one example cited during discussions surrounding the case, a German-speaking gambling promoter living abroad was still deemed subject to German regulations because his content targeted a German audience.
After intervention from GGL, ADI Predictstreet restricted access to users located in Germany. Reports indicate that visitors trying to access the platform from those countries are now receiving the message: “Access from your location (DE) is restricted (DE Country blocked)”.
A GGL spokesperson told German media: “As a result of surveillance measures and official intervention, the service provider reacted and blocked access to its services for users from Germany.”
The regulator also stated that the move means gambling services accessible from Germany will no longer be advertised.
ADI Predictstreet previously argued that it did not violate German law and stated that it did not run any marketing campaigns specifically aimed at German consumers.
European Regulators Express Concerns Over Prediction Markets
The German investigation comes as regulators across Europe examine the growth of prediction markets. Nine European gambling authorities recently issued a joint warning to address the risks associated with the sector.
In its statement, the regulator said: "It is important to emphasize that these types of platforms carry serious risks of illegality, blocking of funds, fraud through inside information, and financial instability. In addition, because they are unregulated in most countries, they can give rise to serious addiction problems.
"Therefore, we will work closely together on this issue throughout this period; and in doing this we will not only ensure that gambling operators comply with advertising, betting integrity and player protection regulations, but also act, if necessary, against prediction market platforms that fail to comply with our local regulations.”
Authorities highlighted concerns involving consumer protection, gambling-related harm, market manipulation, transparency, fraud, and the use of privileged information. Several prediction market operators, including Kalshi and Polymarket, have faced restrictions across European jurisdictions.
The Macolin Convention defines illegal sports betting as “any sports betting activity whose type or operator is not permitted under applicable law in the jurisdiction where the consumer is located.”
The regulator also reminded sports organizations that sponsorship partners must comply with the laws of the countries in which they operate.
Expansion Continues Despite Regulatory Pressure
Even as German authorities increase scrutiny, ADI Predictstreet continues to pursue growth opportunities. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with prediction market operator Kalshi.
Under the agreement, Kalshi branding will appear alongside ADI Predictstreet across stadiums, television and digital placements. The companies also plan to launch a co-branded World Cup hub during the knockout phase of the tournament, offering soccer-related prediction markets, tournament information and additional content.
The relationship connects ADI Predictstreet with other operators experiencing regulatory challenges. Kalshi has faced bans in several European markets and legal disputes in a number of US states, despite reporting significant trading activity during the World Cup and establishing partnerships with the national soccer teams of Argentina and Croatia.
ADI Predictstreet itself has faced questions since its launch. The company introduced its platform shortly before the World Cup began, even though it had been announced as a FIFA partner months earlier. White label agreements with Matchbook in the UK and Fanatics in the United States have helped facilitate operations in certain markets.
Additional scrutiny emerged through reporting that raised questions about the backgrounds of some individuals associated with the company, the licensing process in Gibraltar, and delays surrounding its launch in Europe.
FIFA stated that its partnership with ADI Predictstreet had been completed in accordance with its governance procedures. However, German media reported that the football body has not publicly commented on GGL’s actions despite requests for clarification.
The case highlights the growing tension between global sports sponsorship agreements and national gambling regulations. Although ADI Predictstreet gained worldwide exposure through one of the biggest football tournaments, regulators in Germany and other countries are checking whether that visibility complies with local legal requirements.
