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Rules and licensingEuropean state lotteries warn regulators over prediction markets
State lotteries in Europe want regulators to treat prediction markets as gambling products.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 2 October 2026
European state lotteries have urged policymakers to look past marketing claims when dealing with new prediction products. These trading platforms let users buy contracts on future events, creating a major regulatory debate across different regions.
Atlantic divides
American authorities generally classify prediction platforms as financial instruments, but European regulators see them firmly as gambling products. While most European nations group these sites with traditional bookmakers, some jurisdictions are creating entirely separate legal frameworks for them.
Regulatory warnings
Industry associations argue that officials must focus on the actual risks involved rather than the new technology. Because gambling laws vary widely across European countries, experts suggest that nations must solve their own local rules before creating any wider international strategy.
Product safety
State lottery leaders believe that activities carrying similar financial risks should face identical rules and safeguards. Regulators are under pressure to keep pace with rapid industry growth without falling for clever marketing terms.
Punters should expect tighter rules and greater scrutiny as regulators figure out how to classify these emerging betting products.