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Ex-Bundesliga player admits to €1M losses from illegal sports betting scandal

From secret bets to million-euro losses, a Bundesliga insider exposes the dark side of football. Now, Germany's poker laws face pressure to change—before it's too late.

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1 min read
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a...
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a board with text and pictures of fruits, suggesting that he is playing online casino games.

Ex-Bundesliga player admits to €1M losses from illegal sports betting scandal

A former Bundesliga footballer has admitted to years of illegal sports betting on his own league's matches, losing nearly €1 million in the process. Meanwhile, a growing petition in Germany is pushing to relax strict online poker rules, arguing that current limits push players toward unregulated gambling.

The ex-player, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed that betting was widespread in the league. He estimated that at least six Bundesliga clubs had two to three players regularly placing wagers on their own matches. His own losses over time reached around €1 million.

Separately, an OpenPetition campaign is calling for changes to Germany's online poker laws. The 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty restricts players to just four tables at once, but the petition insists this limit unfairly restricts skilled bettors. With only 308 signatures so far, it aims for 30,000 to pressure the Bundestag and the Joint Gambling Authority (GGL).

The petition warns that tight regulations are driving players to illegal gambling sites. A review of the treaty is already scheduled for 2026, which could lead to adjustments.

Elsewhere, New York has filed a lawsuit against Valve, the company behind popular games like Counter-Strike. The state accuses Valve of running an illegal gambling system through loot boxes—virtual containers bought with real money for a chance at in-game items. Authorities argue these mechanics expose children to addiction risks.

The former footballer's confession highlights ongoing concerns about illegal sports betting in professional leagues. In Germany, the poker petition's outcome may influence future gambling laws, while New York's case against Valve could set a precedent for regulating in-game purchases. Both situations underscore the growing scrutiny of gambling-related practices in different industries.

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