The proposal to ban betting company partnerships with football clubs was raised by Bremen’s Interior Minister Ulrich Mäurer. He believes this ban would help prevent gambling addiction and protect minors. The ban aligns with the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv) which came into effect in July.
In a recent TV interview, Mäurer criticized football clubs for partnering with betting companies, stating that they were benefiting from a sector that is considered harmful to society. He particularly highlighted concerns about the impact on young people, who are more vulnerable to the influence of gambling brands.
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) expressed astonishment at Mäurer’s proposition, as Bremen was one of the states that approved the State Treaty in March. This treaty allows gambling advertising for state-licensed and secure platforms to protect consumers from unlicensed operators.
DSWV President Mathias Dahms argued that Mäurer’s claims would have a counterproductive effect. Dahms emphasized the importance of advertising in helping customers distinguish legal gambling platforms from illegal ones. He stated that since there are still many illegal operators in the German market, advertising for licensed providers is crucial in informing citizens about safe and legal options.
A study conducted by the Handelsblatt Research Institute raised concerns that the implementation of the State Treaty could lead to a 40% increase in offshore gambling, potentially undermining player protection efforts.
Dahms highlighted that the state should not give the impression of having double standards and favoring its own gambling products. He emphasized that all holders of German gaming licenses, both state-owned and private, have undergone extensive reliability and performance checks by the authorities, including their advertising strategies. Dahms stated that advertising for illegal providers is prohibited by law and enforcement agencies should prioritize enforcing this.
