The Darmstadt Regional Council has recently awarded sports betting licenses in a historic move. These licenses come under Germany’s New Transitional Gaming Agreement that was agreed in September.
15 licenses issued with immediate effect
After years of legal challenges, there have now been 15 licenses issued with immediate effect. The sports betting licenses will cover 75% of the German sports betting market. The first license was issued to Gauselmann Group’s Cashpoint brand.
Other brands to receive a license from the Darmstadt Regional Council include Ladbrokes, Gamebookers, Playtech’s HPYBET and IBC Sportsbetting. Tipico and bet365 are also amongst the names to receive a license.
Legal sports betting in Germany ahead
The Minister of the Interior for the state of Hesse, Peter Beuth, discussed the impressive breakthrough: “This ends a long stalemate in Germany’s regulation of gambling. Going forward, the following applies: Those who adhere to the important rules for the protection of players and minors can also offer legal sports betting.”
Peter added: “Only with a strictly controlled offer can the goals of the Interstate Treaty on Gaming be implemented and the illegal growth of the black market ended.”
President of DSWV, Mathias Dahms said: “We are grateful to the responsible Hessian Ministry of the Interior and the Darmstadt Regional Council for always pushing ahead with the approval process in a serious and results-oriented manner, even under difficult political and legal conditions.”
While the new sports betting licenses will come into effect immediately, there are some conditions attached. It is currently being discussed how long these operators will have to adjust to the conditions.
