Authority figures in the sport sector advocate for tougher gambling regulations to shield young athletes in Germany from potential exploitation and harm.
In a recent conference held on November 7 and 8, 2024, in Munich, German sports ministers raised concerns about the increasing threat of sports betting on amateur football matches. The conference, updated on July 23, 2025, highlighted the issue of too many loopholes with foreign betting providers and the need for stricter regulations to protect consumers and prevent manipulation.
The sports ministers believe that amateur athletes may be more susceptible to betting manipulation due to their lower earnings compared to professional athletes. In response, they have called on the interior ministers of the federal states to examine a tightening of gambling law in Germany.
One possible regulatory adjustment suggested is to only grant licenses to betting providers that do not offer bets on amateur sports worldwide. This move aims to curb the participation in betting on amateur football matches from abroad, which the resolution from the Sports Ministers' Conference indicates poses a significant threat to the integrity of local sports.
The ministers also pointed out that the current ban on betting on amateur games in Germany may not be sufficient, as they perceive a significant risk of manipulation. This risk was further emphasized by a study by Leipzig University, which reported that around half of online gambling activities now take place on the unregulated black market.
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) shares this view, believing the main danger comes from the illegal black market in sports betting on amateur football. In a bid to address this issue, the sports ministers have asked the Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL) for an opinion on taking more intensive action against bets on amateur sports.
Notably, the TV documentary on sports betting on amateur football, aired by BR and NDR in August, was criticized by the DSWV for portraying the legal industry in a negative light. However, one positive development has been the voluntary removal of bets on amateur sports from the portfolio of the sports betting provider Interwetten.
Despite efforts to measure the total betting volume on amateur football, it is likely to be very difficult due to the prevalence of the unregulated black market. The decrease in bets on amateur football may be due to a change in bettor behavior, a reduction in the offer by bookmakers, or increased awareness among clubs, but this can only be speculated.
In conclusion, the German sports ministers are advocating for stricter laws to address the threat posed by foreign betting providers and protect amateur football from manipulation. The focus is on creating a safer and more secure environment for amateur athletes and consumers alike.
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