German Gambling Agreement Sparks Concerns Over Player Protection
A recently uncovered agreement between Germany’s state governments and gambling operators has raised concerns among experts, who warn that it weakens safeguards designed to prevent gambling addiction and financial harm. The deal, which allows players to bypass deposit limits with minimal financial verification, is now facing legal scrutiny.
Loosening of Deposit Limits Raises Risks
Germany’s gambling regulations impose a general monthly deposit limit of €1,000 ($1,085) for online betting and casino platforms to curb excessive gambling. However, players can request an increase by proving their financial stability through documents such as tax records or bank statements.
Investigations by Investigate Europe, Monitor, and Zeit Online reveal that this requirement has been significantly relaxed following a 2022 court settlement between German authorities and sports betting operators.
The deal permits gambling companies to use the Schufa G check—a financial assessment tool—to verify a player’s financial stability. However, the Schufa G check does not provide a complete picture of a player’s income or financial health. As a result, even individuals with low earnings have been able to raise their deposit limits to €10,000 ($10,845).
Experts Warn of Increased Gambling Addiction
Researchers and addiction specialists argue that this regulatory loophole could have severe consequences. Tobias Hayer, a gambling addiction expert at the University of Bremen, cautioned that individuals already struggling with gambling problems could exploit the relaxed requirements, worsening their financial difficulties.
The agreement has also drawn criticism from Burkhard Blienert, the German government’s commissioner for addiction and drug issues. He condemned the arrangement, stating that it undermines established player protection measures in favor of corporate profits. Blienert emphasized that public safety should take priority over industry interests.
Legal and Political Backlash
The legality of the agreement is now being questioned by constitutional law expert Christoph Degenhart, who has called for a constitutional review. Despite growing concerns, most state governments have refrained from commenting, instead referring the issue to the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). The GGL is currently evaluating whether the Schufa G verification process aligns with gambling protection laws.
Bremen’s Interior Minister Ulrich Mäurer has also voiced opposition to the agreement, arguing that allowing Schufa G assessments contradicts the objectives of the Interstate Gambling Treaty, which was designed to mitigate gambling-related harm.
Industry Response and Calls for Stricter Oversight
The gambling industry has denied claims that the agreement was made in secret. The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) pointed out that the settlement was reached through a public court process and has been included in official state reports since mid-2024.
Nevertheless, the DSWV acknowledges the need for stronger player protection measures. In August 2024, the association proposed stricter financial monitoring and more frequent credit checks to improve oversight and ensure responsible gambling practices.