First Betting Licenses Granted in Germany
In compliance with the German online gambling regulations, the Darmstadt Regional Council (Hesse) has granted the initial 15 German sports betting licenses. Among the approved firms are GVC, Tipwin, and Gauselmann. However, the stringent laws of the Interstate Treaty on the Reform of Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), set to take effect in July 2021, will apply. This news has been hailed as a milestone by industry professionals and politicians alike.
Nationwide licenses taking effect immediately
A week ago, the state governments of Germany collectively agreed on transitional regulations to ensure a seamless transition to the revised gambling legislation. Hesse, in line with the GlüNeuRStV, has now issued its first sports betting licenses, allowing the beneficiaries to operate immediately. These include the UK-based gambling organization GVC, the Gauselmann brand Cashpoint, and the online bookmaker Tipwin, based in Malta.
From this point forward, these companies are permitted to provide sports betting services across Germany - be it in physical betting shops or online. Previously, Hesse was authorized to award online sports betting licenses ahead of others. In the online casino and poker sectors, providers have been in a permit-granting phase since 2019.
Per the resolution made by the 16 German state governments, reputable online casino and online poker providers will be allowed to operate nationwide from October 15th. As long as gaming protection regulations like betting limits are met, no criminal prosecution will be enforced. Additionally, there exists a prohibition on live betting and table games.
Gauselmann et. al. view the license as a breakthrough
The recipients of the licenses view this as a significant development. GVC Managing Director Shay Segev called this news fantastic and expressed how it would provide his company with clarity and security. GVC has long advocated for gambling reform in Germany. At the end of August, the group even put forth their own set of proposed transitional regulations for the German state chancelleries.
Gauselmann, owner of Merkur and a prominent figure in the German gambling market, also expressed contentment. The Landesgruppe Gauselmann is now among the first providers with an official endorsement. After years of intricate legislation, the company can anticipate a profitable market with uniform rules. Player and consumer protection benefits significantly from legislators' and politicians' ability to differentiate between illegal and legal providers.
To penetrate the German market, Gauselmann has recently partnered with Eyas Gaming. Housing both the Merkur online slots from the Blueprint series and the games from the Edict division, the company plans to apply for an online casino license as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Tipwin claims it has met all future German license requirements since 2014. Managing Director Ivica Batinic expressed relief at the resolution of the legal uncertainty in Germany. The license award presents valuable opportunities for all involved parties, including players, politicians, and authorities.
Encouragement from the Hessian Minister of the Interior
The Hessian Minister of the Interior, Peter Beuth (CDU), also welcomed the first sports betting licenses as a landmark change. He emphasized the objective of steering betting towards a regulated legal market. The objective isn't to have as many people place bets as possible but rather for customers to play in a regulated environment. He urged a swift completion of the licensing process.
Out of the 46 companies applying, 15 have received licenses thus far. Along with Gauselmann's Cashpoint and Tipwin, the licenses encompass the four GVC brands Ladbrokes, Sportingbet, bwin, and Gamebookers. Admixed in this group are Novomatic's Admiral Sportwetten, Tipico, and Bet365. Furthermore, Playtech's German online sports betting brand, HPYBET, BetVictor, I.B.C. Sportwetten, Greenvest Betting, Jaxx, and Tipin have been included.
The DSWV admires the initial round of licensees and contingent
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) also participated in the conversation, expressing congratulations and well-wishes to the initial German licensees and the applicants. President Mathias Dahms viewed this action as the end of a host of legal conflicts. Due to recurring procedural issues between the German states, the issuance of licenses has been blocked in the past.
Based on Dahms' statements, sports betting has made its way to the center of society. In the year 2019, an estimated amount of 9.3 billion euros was spent on placing bets. This resulted in additional tax earnings of approximately 500 million euros for the government. Additionally, the regulated sports betting and online gambling industries provide several economic benefits. It remains to be seen which companies will be given additional licenses.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
