Key Moments:
- The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) reports at least 382 illegal German-language sports betting sites. In contrast, only 34 sites are officially licensed.
- The UEFA Champions League kickoff has caused a sharp rise in betting activity across Germany.
- Participation in unauthorized sports betting may result in legal consequences, including penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a fine.
Illegal Gambling Outpaces Licensed Platforms
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has issued a warning as the UEFA Champions League begins. Their evaluation, based on data from the Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states (GGL) for 2024, shows at least 382 illegal German-language sports betting sites. In contrast, only 34 platforms are officially licensed. Consequently, players are more likely to encounter unregulated operators.
Risks Linked to Black Market Participation
Mathias Dahms, President of the DSWV, stated, “Online, it’s 11:1 in favor of the black market and that puts players at risk. In the legal sports betting market, players benefit from guaranteed player protection, reliable payouts and tax revenue for the common good. Illegal providers in the black market, on the other hand, do not adhere to any rules, offer no security and have a higher risk of gambling addiction.”
The arrival of the UEFA Champions League, which is the second most-bet event following the Bundesliga, has caused betting volumes to spike. Dahms commented, “Players need to be particularly vigilant at this time of year so that they don’t accidentally end up with illegal providers. This is another reason why it is important that the legal providers are present with perimeter boards and TV advertising during the Champions League matches.”
Legal Risks for Players Using Unauthorized Sites
any players are unaware of the legal risks. Players who use unauthorized betting sites may face legal consequences. They could receive fines or up to six months in prison.
How to Identify Legal Betting Operators
- Only legal operators are allowed to advertise on stadium boards and television during major sporting events such as the Champions League or Bundesliga.
- Legal operators are listed on the GGL whitelist, which is publicly accessible at www.gluecksspiel-behoerde.de/whitelist.
- Authorized betting platforms display a visible GGL permit logo on their sites.
- Comprehensive player protection measures, including deposit limits, player bans, and behavioral monitoring, are standard on legal platforms.
- Licensed providers contribute to resources for individuals vulnerable to gambling addiction, such as the anonymous hotline 0800-1372700 and the website check-dein-spiel.de from the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG).
- Payouts and proper tax handling are guaranteed with legal operators.
Industry Call for Reinforcing the Legal Market
“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,” Dahms said.
| Type of Website | Number of Sites |
|---|---|
| Legal German Betting Sites | 34 |
| Illegal German-Language Betting Sites | 382 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
