The Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL) has warned consumers against taking part in illegal social betting activities, including entertainment-related wagers that charge participation fees.
The regulator stressed that such betting formats are prohibited under German gambling law and present heightened risks of manipulation.
Social Betting Under Scrutiny
Recent reports in German media have highlighted the growing popularity of betting on non-sporting events, with platforms such as Polymarket drawing attention.
Examples include bets placed on the outcome of the war in Ukraine, prompting the GGL to issue direct warnings.
According to the authority, social betting carries particular risks because it often relies on subjective or easily influenced outcomes.
The practice includes wagers on political elections, legal decisions, natural disasters, and social events.
Legal Restrictions
Under the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), only sports betting with clear, verifiable outcomes is permitted in Germany.
Section 3 Paragraph 1 and Section 4 Paragraph 5 of the treaty explicitly ban approval of betting formats that carry manipulation risks.
That means social betting cannot be authorized under current law.
The GGL reiterated that organizing, facilitating, or participating in illegal betting activities — as well as advertising them — is a punishable offense.
Consumer Guidance
To help gamblers stay within legal boundaries, the GGL maintains an official whitelist of licensed operators on its website.
The regulator also provides a comprehensive FAQ to answer common questions about online gambling rules in Germany.
Officials encouraged consumers to consult these resources to avoid unknowingly participating in unlicensed activities.
The warning marks the latest step in Germany’s ongoing crackdown on illegal betting formats and underscores the country’s strict stance on gambling regulation.