World Cup Tickets and Empty Promises: ADI Predictstreet Under Fire

ADI Predictstreet, known as FIFA's official prediction partner for the 2026 World Cup, is facing severe criticism. Customers report not receiving prizes from ticket giveaways, delayed deposits, and inadequate customer service. These complaints emerged shortly after the launch of a major advertising campaign surrounding the tournament. The allegations highlight the operational challenges faced by the young company.

Particularly sensitive: Germany's Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has launched a formal investigation because ADI Predictstreet allegedly advertised in the German market without a German license. This could have far-reaching consequences for the provider, whose business model already navigates legal gray areas in Europe.

Numbers and facts

ADI Predictstreet signed its FIFA contract in April, even before its platform was fully functional. Shortly beforehand, the company obtained a license in Gibraltar, making it the first licensed provider for so-called prediction markets, which are classified as gambling in many European countries. At the start of the World Cup, ADI Predictstreet promoted a competition offering free tickets to matches. Crypto trader Felix Molaug claimed to have reached a trading volume of approximately 17,000 Euros, which should have qualified him for knockout stage tickets. He stated that the tickets never arrived.

Complaints also extend to delayed deposits and poor customer support. Users reported that funds took days to be credited to their wallets and messages to support went unanswered. The company acknowledged in a Discord post that parts of its prize fulfillment process still needed refinement. An ADI Predictstreet spokesperson commented:

“As a new market entrant, we recognize that scaling our promotional activities has presented operational challenges, and we acknowledge that certain aspects of our prize fulfillment process have required refinement.” - ADI Predictstreet Spokesperson

In contrast, Kalshi, another player in the prediction market, significantly benefited from the FIFA partnership. Users attempting to access ADI Predictstreet in the US were redirected to Kalshi's platform. Within 30 days leading up to June 8, Kalshi recorded a trading volume of over 34.5 billion Euros. This was more than double the approximately 15.4 billion Euros recorded in the same period before the World Cup. Sports events, combo bets, and parlays accounted for 87 percent of this volume, underscoring the tournament's influence.

Background

ADI Predictstreet is part of International Holding, a conglomerate led by Sheik Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The business model of prediction markets, where bets are placed on the outcome of future events, is legally controversial in many parts of Europe. While often discussed as a financial instrument in the US, it is considered gambling in Germany. The GGL has already initiated a formal investigation against ADI Predictstreet because the brand was prominently displayed on pitch-side advertising during live World Cup broadcasts, including on German channels like KiKa, without possessing a valid gambling license in Germany. ADI Predictstreet denies intentionally targeting the German market, attributing its visibility to global sponsorship agreements. Nevertheless, the GGL has announced it will also investigate the accessibility of the offerings for German players.

Nine European regulatory authorities recently launched a coordinated action against unlicensed prediction markets, as these are not formally regulated in any European market except Gibraltar. Other providers such as Polymarket and Kalshi have also been blocked in Europe, including by the Spanish regulator DGOJ.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, ADI Predictstreet's situation is a clear warning sign. Anyone wishing to legally participate in online gambling in Germany must adhere to providers listed on the so-called GGL whitelist. This list by the Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL) includes all online casinos and sports betting providers licensed under the German State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). ADI Predictstreet is not on this list. This means that German players at this provider do not enjoy legal protection and, in cases of problems such as unfulfilled winnings or delayed deposits, have little legal recourse. The GlüStV 2021 has introduced strict rules, including a deposit limit of 1,000 Euros per month and a stake limit of 1 Euro per spin on online slot machines. The central self-exclusion system LUGAS also serves player protection. Providers without a GGL license deliberately and illicitly circumvent these protective mechanisms. German players should therefore stay away and exclusively look for licenses from Germany to play safely and regulated.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Investigations against ADI Predictstreet by the GGL underline the German regulatory authority's determination to control the gambling market and suppress illegal offerings. For GGL-licensed online casinos, this strengthens their position. The consistent fight against gray market providers creates fair competition and signals that adhering to strict German rules is worthwhile. Licensed operators invest heavily in player protection measures, compliance with deposit and stake limits, and connection to LUGAS. If offerings like ADI Predictstreet, which disregard these rules, are forced out of the market, it builds player trust in the regulated market and enhances the attractiveness of the legal, safe playing environment. The GGL sends a clear message: anyone offering or advertising gambling in Germany must possess a German license and comply with the laws.