DSWV Outlines Five Concrete Proposals to Curb Illegal Gambling in Germany
Germany’s incoming government has signaled its intent to address the country’s ongoing illegal gambling problem, but industry stakeholders want more than just words. The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has welcomed the initial direction but insists that concrete, coordinated action must follow.
DSWV Puts Forward a Five-Point Enforcement Plan
The recently signed coalition agreement lays out the priorities for Germany’s new leadership. Spanning 146 pages, the document outlines plans across a wide range of sectors—from education and infrastructure to innovation and healthcare. Among these is a call for stronger measures against illegal gambling, a topic that appears only briefly and with limited specificity.
Despite the lack of detail, the DSWV views this as a positive starting point. For the Association, the recognition of the issue at the federal level is a necessary first step—but far from sufficient.
In response to the vague commitment in the coalition agreement, the DSWV has taken the initiative to propose a concrete action plan. At the core of the Association’s strategy is a five-pronged approach aimed at strengthening enforcement and improving the legal gambling market’s competitiveness.
1. Improve Legal Market Competitivenes: The DSWV argues that legal operators must be allowed to offer a product attractive enough to compete with unlicensed alternatives. The Association maintains that restrictive regulations and limited flexibility currently hinder the appeal of the regulated sector.
2. Establish a National Gambling Prosecutor’s Office: A specialized public prosecutor’s office focused exclusively on illegal online gambling is the second recommendation. According to the DSWV, jurisdictional fragmentation has led to failed prosecutions. A central authority could ensure more consistent and effective enforcement.
3. Track Financial Flows: The third measure calls for a “follow the money” strategy—monitoring both traditional and cryptocurrency transactions to uncover the financial paths of illegal operators. The DSWV sees this as critical in identifying key actors in the black market.
4. Hold Platforms Accountable: Advertising platforms and affiliate networks are central to the visibility of unregulated gambling offers. The DSWV advocates for holding these intermediaries accountable, proposing penalties for those that facilitate illegal promotion.
5. Push for Harmonized EU Regulation: Finally, the Association stresses the need for pan-European regulatory alignment. Varying national laws make cross-border enforcement nearly impossible. The DSWV believes that Germany should advocate for common EU standards to enable a unified front against illegal providers.
Urging the Government to Act, Not Just Promise
The DSWV has made clear that while early signals from the government are welcome, they must lead to action. It is calling on federal and state authorities to translate intentions into operational strategy. This includes reducing administrative burdens on legal operators, revising tax structures to enhance competitiveness, and improving the visibility of licensed platforms.
Crucially, the Association wants to see greater cooperation between the government, federal states, and the regulated gambling industry. Only through collaboration, the DSWV argues, can Germany establish a safe, transparent, and effectively regulated gambling market.