Enhancing the regulated betting sector in Germany, Interwetten forsakes unregulated amateur football.
Online betting platform Interwetten pulls out of wagering on German amateur football matches
The betting service provider Interwetten has revealed plans to exclude sports betting on amateur football games in Germany from their global platform. This move affects the German regional leagues and higher tiers, while the professional 1st Bundesliga, 2nd Bundesliga, and 3rd Bundesliga continue to be available for betting.
By withdrawing from amateur football betting, Interwetten aims to set a precedent as a long-term supporter of the German Football Association (DFB) and the professional basketball team of FC Bayern Munich, contributing to the regulated gambling market in Germany despite the partial legality of betting on amateur sports overseas. Dr. Holger Blask, CEO of DFB GmbH & Co. KG, expressed his support for the move:
We highly appreciate Interwetten's decision. [...] This underlines the partner's sense of responsibility. Together, we share the belief that a regulated sports betting market, with licensed operators, ensures a fair game and the integrity of the sports competition, along with the best protection for players.– Dr. Holger Blask, CEO of DFB GmbH & Co. KG, DFB
Betting on amateur football is forbidden in Germany
Since 2021, sports betting on amateur football has been made illegal in Germany after the implementation of the German Gambling State Treaty (GlüStV). The prohibition applies to all football leagues below the 3rd Bundesliga.
The primary concern behind the ban is the potential for betting fraud and match-fixing. With lower earnings compared to professional players, amateur footballers might be more susceptible to bribery. Presently, 17 German amateur football matches from the regional and higher leagues are under investigation for potential match-fixing.
Foreign gambling rules enable betting on amateur football
In various countries, betting providers with a German license, due to different gambling regulations, are permitted to offer sports bets on German amateur football. This is also indicated in the GGL's FAQs on bets on amateur sports.
For instance, the sports betting provider Betano possesses a German license and can provide international bets on German amateur sports. However, the provider must ensure that German players cannot access this offer.
Interwetten's decision to abandon betting on amateur football aligns with the illegality of such wagers in Germany, as stipulated by the German Gambling State Treaty (GlüStV). With the ban on betting on football leagues below the 3rd Bundesliga, the potential for betting fraud and match-fixing in amateur games is a significant concern due to lower player earnings, as evidenced by the investigation into 17 German amateur football matches.
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