Latest additions
The Regional Council of Darmstadt (RP Darmstadt) has approved sports betting licenses for three more operators in Germany. Bet-at-Home, Bet3000, and Interwetten each received a license that allows them to operate online sportsbooks in the nation. There have now been a total of 18 licenses issued since October 9.
Bet-at-Home, a Betclic Everest gambling brand, announced its online licensing approval on November 2. Interwetten’s license is only for online operations, while Bet3000 obtained approval for both retail and online betting through its IBA Entertainment holding company.
Authorities issued the first online sports betting licenses in Germany last month after the withdrawal of legal action that was causing a delay. At the time, 15 operators were granted licenses, with four going to GVC Holdings brands. Other operators to get licenses included Bet365, Tipico, BetVictor, and Tipwin.
Ratifying new framework
The issuance of these licenses comes as the new GlüNeuRStV gambling framework made progress over the past week. The Minister-Presidents of the 16 German states ratified the framework during their annual meeting. The next step is for the rules to be passed in 13 state legislatures by April 30 in order for the framework to go live on July 1, 2021.
the incoming regulatory framework “works very well”
During last week’s virtual meeting, a number of industry bodies welcomed the level of agreement among the 16 heads of state. The Deutscher Lotto und Totoblock (DLTB), an influential association for the country’s lottery operator, and its chairman Jürgen Häfner believe that the level of agreement indicates that the incoming regulatory framework “works very well.”
Online gambling expansion
The new gambling framework will see the regulated market expand to include games such as online poker and slots for the first time.
Those online gambling sites that were already targeting German customers without a license can continue operating through a transition period, starting October 15. These types of operations need to be compliant with the incoming gambling framework by December 15 in order to keep operating.