Are prediction markets legal in Germany?
Polymarket and Kalshi geo-block German residents. The Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 (Interstate Treaty on Gambling) governs licensed online betting in Germany; no prediction-market exchange currently holds a German license. Manifold is unrestricted.
- Regulator
- Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)
- Recommended platforms
- Manifold, Licensed German sportsbooks
Detailed overview
Germany's Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021) created the GGL regulator and a federal licensing regime. No prediction-market exchange currently holds a German license; both Polymarket and Kalshi geo-block German IPs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymarket legal in Germany?
Polymarket geo-blocks German users and does not hold a German gambling license under the GlüStV 2021.
Are there licensed alternatives in Germany?
Licensed German sportsbooks (Tipico, bwin Deutschland) offer event markets but operate as bookmakers, not peer-to-peer exchanges.
This page is editorial information, not legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction before trading.