Are Prediction Markets Legal in Europe? A 2026 Country Guide
Europe does not treat prediction markets as a single category. Depending on the country, the same platform can be a lightly-regulated financial product, an unlicensed gambling operator, or something in between. Here is where things stand in 2026.
The EU Baseline
There is no EU-wide license for event contracts. Blockchain-based platforms such as Polymarket are generally accessible from most member states without local authorisation, but tax and consumer-protection rules differ. MiCA governs the crypto side; national gambling laws sometimes govern the trading side.
Country Snapshots
Germany permits access to major platforms; earnings may be taxed as speculative income. France historically restricts gambling-adjacent products but does not block information-based event contracts on blockchain platforms. Spain, Italy and Portugal fall closer to Germany.
The Netherlands and Belgium apply gambling-license requirements that most international platforms do not hold, effectively restricting access. The Nordic countries generally permit access. The UK, outside the EU, treats certain event contracts under its gambling framework.
What This Means For You
Always confirm the current legal treatment for your country before depositing. Regulators can and do change their positions rapidly. Our pillar guide covers the global picture in more detail.