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Germany’s Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has raised alarms as the Champions League season kicks off, warning that illegal sites still dominate the online betting landscape. While betting activity is expected to surge with the return of Europe’s biggest football tournament, the association says most platforms available to German players operate without licenses.
Good to Know
According to the DSWV, only one in 12 betting platforms accessible in Germany is legal. DSWV president Mathias Dahms, said:
“Online, it’s 11:1 in favor of the black market, and that puts players at risk.”
He further explained that licensed providers guarantee player protection, reliable payouts, and contribute tax revenue, while unlicensed operators “do not adhere to any rules, offer no security, and have a higher risk of gambling addiction.”
The association reminded consumers that betting with illegal sites carries real consequences. German law allows for penalties of up to six months in prison or fines for players using unlicensed platforms.
To avoid these risks, Dahms urged bettors to check the federal gambling regulator’s (GGL) whitelist, look for the mandatory GGL permit logo, and recognize that only licensed operators may advertise during Bundesliga and Champions League matches.
Beyond consumer protection, Dahms stressed that licensed operators support addiction services, pay out winnings reliably, and contribute to public funds through tax revenue. He said:
“It is in the common interest of regulators, providers and players to strengthen the legal market and push back the black market. This is the only way to ensure player protection, integrity and tax revenues.”