In Germany, betting on political, social or international events, such as elections or the outcome of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, is becoming increasingly popular. However, these bets, often offered on platforms such as Polymarket, are considered illegal under German law.
A clear ban
The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany’s gaming regulator, has issued an official warning about betting on social events. According to the GGL, such betting is prohibited under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 (GlüStV 2021), which clearly distinguishes sports betting from other forms of betting. Only bets on sporting events with objectively verifiable results are permitted.
Betting on social events involves a number of risks. In addition to the potential financial loss, participants are exposed to legal sanctions, as organising, promoting or taking part in such bets is also prohibited. What’s more, these bets are often offered on unregulated platforms, which means that there is no protection for players in the event of a dispute or fraud.
Polymarket in the firing line
Platforms such as Polymarket allow users to place bets on a variety of social and political events. Although these platforms are popular, they are not authorised in Germany. The GGL has pointed out that the increased visibility of these bets, particularly via regional and national media, has led to increased vigilance on the part of the authorities.
Advice for consumers
The GGL recommends that consumers refrain from taking part in bets on social or political events. For those wishing to gamble, it is advisable to turn to legal and regulated operators, a list of which is available on the GGL’s official website. These operators offer guarantees in terms of security, transparency and player protection.
As betting on social events grows in popularity, it is essential for German consumers to understand the legal implications and risks associated with these practices. The GGL continues to monitor this situation closely and issue warnings to ensure compliance with current legislation.