NRW Consults on GlüStV 2021
In an upcoming parliamentary session, the NRW state parliament will review the integration of the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV). Once signed by Minister President Armin Laschet, ratification is planned soon. The NRW parliament wants to hear from different industry voices to better understand and classify the issue. Besides scientific experts and those affected by addiction, various interest groups will be consulted. Already, opinions from several stakeholders have emerged.
The new GlüStV aims to regulate Germany's gambling market fairly and uniformly, both online and offline. Since 2012, the industry has suffered from a lack of transparency and openness. From July 1, 2021, operators may legally operate under clear rules, hopefully.
Generally, many interest groups are positive about the new document. However, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) identified potential issues, particularly concerning taxation. While private online sports betting providers will be taxed when virtual slot machines are legalized, the tax rates are seen as unbalanced. Online platforms offering poker face a 5.3% tax rate, while virtual slot machines are subject to an 8% rate. DSWV considers this tax regulation inconsistent, jeopardizing the success of GlüStV.
DSWV was founded in 2014 and represents leading German and European sports betting providers. It positions itself as a public contact for politics, sport, and the media. All 16 members are licensed nationwide and joined to develop the German legal framework for sports betting in line with European law.
Another significant issue is data protection. The DSWV criticizes the proposed powers of the higher-level gambling authority. The association questions the necessity of a "limit file" and "activity file" to prevent gambling addiction. North Rhine-Westphalia's state commissioners for data protection and information see these measures as disproportionate and ineffective, as they infringe on gamblers' privacy.
German Sports Betting Association aims to inform politicians, sports associations, and the media about the industry. It fears the limit and activity files in GlüStV pose data protection risks, questioning the proposed measures' effectiveness. These officials are concerned that data collection and storage on central servers is unnecessary for all gambling participants who aren't addicted.
Gambling advertising restrictions are met with fierce criticism as well. The German Advertising Association (ZAW e.V.) believes its interests were insufficiently considered. These groups see the ban on advertising for virtual slot machines, online poker, and casino games on the radio and internet as disproportionate and counterproductive, missing the purpose of preventing gambling addiction. ZAW calls for advertising time limits' removal, allowing the regulated market to compete with black market offerings.
One final point of contention is the vagueness of the term "excessive." The association fears legal battles due to ambiguous wording, costing both providers and media time and resources.```markdown
Other concerns regarding the State Treaty on Gambling (GluStV)
- Taxation
- Data protection
- Advertising restrictions
- Uncertainty due to vague terms```
```markdown
Key players involved in the debate
- North Rhine-Westphalian State Parliament
- Minister President Armin Laschet
- German Sports Betting Association (DSWV)
- German Advertising Association (ZAW e.V.)
- State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information of North Rhine-Westphalia```
```markdown
References
- DSWV: Statement on the State Treaty on Gambling
- ZAW e.V.: Statement on the State Treaty on Gambling
- Bild: NRW beabsichtigt, das GluStV aufzudrangen
- Ruhr Nachrichten: GluStV: Bilanzierung von Gluecksspielsteuern verlangt
- WDR: GluStV: Bilanzierung von Gluecksspielsteuern```
Read also:
- The 15-year-old murderer admits to fatally shooting Francesco, who was 14.
- Schalke's pressure has affected Terodde.
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
