The trio have obtained licences for sports betting in Germany, with immediate effect. GVC, one of the operators, mentioned that the timing of implementing licence conditions is uncertain. However, they are working with the Regional Council to resolve this issue by early next year. These conditions include a €1,000 monthly wagering limit for all customers, which can be increased to €10,000 for certain customers under restrictions. A maximum bet amount and a loss limit of 20% of their maximum spend must be in place. Additionally, for up to 1% of customers, the wagering limit can be raised to €30,000 provided the player is at least 21 years old and enhanced monitoring is conducted. Deposit limits must be imposed until customer verification is completed, and the maximum bonus offered to customers per year is €100. Measures for social responsibility as outlined in the Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeRStV) must also be enforced. These measures are expected to reduce group earnings by up to €40m per year, while the stricter conditions for online casinos may reduce earnings by €70m from 2021 onwards. Despite this, GVC’s CEO views the licences as positive news and a step towards clarity and certainty for sports betting in Germany. The Gauselmann Group and Tipwin have also obtained licences, bringing an end to the legal uncertainty in the German sports betting market.
The awarding of the licences follows years of legal challenges and delays. The licensing process began in January this year but was temporarily halted due to a legal challenge. However, lawmakers have agreed on a transition period for online gambling until the GlüNeuRStV comes into force on 1 July next year. Operators meeting the treaty’s terms by 15 October will be allowed to offer online sports betting, slots, and poker during this period. Concerns have been raised regarding the short time frame for operators to complete the necessary technical processes to comply with the treaty.
