Key Moments:
- The DSWV has reported at least 382 illegal German-language sports betting sites compared with 34 licensed operators, reflecting an 11:1 ratio in 2024.
- The GGL launched 231 prohibition procedures against unlawful gambling activity and advertising in 2024, with payment blocking prompting the withdrawal of 188 illegal providers.
- In September 2024, Google restricted gambling ads in Germany to only licensed providers, following ongoing efforts to curb illegal advertising.
Illegal Market Overshadows Licensed Betting in Germany
As the Champions League began, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) drew attention to the overwhelming presence of unlicensed online gambling platforms. Based on a 2024 evaluation by the Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states (GGL), the DSWV highlighted that there are at least 382 illegal German-language sports betting websites in operation, compared to just 34 legal sites. Mathias Dahms, president of the DSWV, commented, “Online, it’s 11:1 in favour of the black market and that puts players at risk.”
During the Champions League – Germany’s second most popular betting event after the Bundesliga – the DSWV indicated betting levels are “skyrocketing.” Dahms emphasized the heightened risk for players in this season and the importance of legal operators maintaining visibility through advertising and sponsorships around these matches.
Players who use legal providers gain “guaranteed player protection, reliable payouts and tax revenue for the common good.” Meanwhile, according to Dahms, “illegal providers in the black market … do not adhere to any rules, offer no security and have a higher risk of gambling addiction.” The DSWV also issued a warning that engaging with unauthorized sites may result in criminal penalties: “Participating in unauthorised sports betting can result in a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine,” the association said.
Dahms concluded by stating, “It is in the common interest of regulators, providers and players to strengthen the legal market and push back the black market. This is the only way to ensure player protection, integrity and tax revenues.”
GGL Steps Up Enforcement Measures
The GGL, responsible for enforcing Germany’s gambling regulations, has reaffirmed its commitment to undermining the appeal of illegal gambling providers. In 2024, the GGL identified 212 unauthorized entities running 858 gambling sites, generating estimated revenues between €500–600 million, amounting to about 3 to 4 percent of the regulated market. The GGL also noted that unlicensed platforms have roughly a 25 percent share of Germany’s high-risk online gambling sector, which includes sports betting, online poker, internet horse betting, and virtual slot games.
The GGL initiated 231 prohibition actions against illicit gambling in 2024, employing strategies such as administrative prohibition orders, penalty payments, payment blocking, and network blocking. During the year, 188 illegal gambling operators withdrew from Germany, largely due to payment blocking measures. Specifically, 43 payment service providers halted services for offerings from 53 illegal gambling companies, impacting 165 websites.
| Year | Illegal Operators Identified | Illegal Websites | Prohibition Procedures | Providers Withdrawn | Estimated Revenue (€ million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 212 | 858 | 231 | 188 | 500–600 |
Adapting Strategies and Regulatory Hurdles
Despite enforcement successes, the GGL noted some illegal sites continue to display logos of major financial brands while relying on less familiar payment providers. Website blocking remains a central tool, but the GGL acknowledged that it faces constant challenges as illegal operators frequently reappear under new domains and hosting services. In 2024, the GGL invoked the Digital Services Act to restrict access to 657 websites and contacted hosting providers to enforce these measures.
Advertising standards tightened in September 2024, when Google limited search advertising in Germany to operators holding valid local licenses. The GGL welcomed this change as having a “clearly positive effect,” though it identified ongoing problems with disguised advertising, known as “cloaking.”
Role of Whistleblowers and Legal Obstacles
Public involvement continues to influence enforcement. In 2024, the GGL’s whistleblower system received approximately 8,000 reports, with about half concerning suspected illegal gambling activity. The authority handled 68 court cases and lodged 23 criminal complaints. However, the GGL expressed concern that many law enforcement agencies hesitate to apply Section 284 of the Criminal Code to cases involving operators based outside Germany. The regulator has called for extending this law to cover foreign-based operators, including those within the EU.
As the Champions League progresses, the DSWV’s findings underscore a significant threat to the regulated market, with illegal betting sites reportedly outnumbering legal platforms by eleven to one.
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- Author
Daniel Williams
