Deutsche Telekom wants a German online sports betting licence

Deutsche Telekom has applied for a German sports betting licence which could result in the telecommunications giant competing against online gambling companies in the race for just 20 licenses.

A Deutsche Telekom spokesman told the Reuters news agency Friday that the application was being reviewed by the Interior Ministry of the German state of Hesse.

“It is not yet certain whether that will turn into an operating business,” the spokesman warned.

Germany’s 16 states will offer only 20 sports betting licenses across the nation in order to retain control over the lucrative online German market.

For years major online gambling companies and the European Commission have been recommending a more liberal approach to online gambling, so far to no avail.

As a result, top British companies like William Hill and Betfair have pulled out of the market, reducing competition and thereby the quality of the odds and services offered to German punters.

Related and similar