European Commission nixes latest german sports betting proposal

The convoluted and confusing legislative position regarding German sports betting regulations is no nearer solution despite the submission to the European Commission of a second proposal by the nation’s provinces.

In a statement this week the EC observed that the proposals do not present a viable solution to the issue, which has seen significant expenses and time invested over several years in litigation as operators, government officials and other interested parties have tried to arrive at a workable and fair solution for open and competitive licensing and regulation.

The current proposal dismissed by the EC would have seen the 20-operator licensing limit removed, and “temporary” permits issued to the 35 or more companies that have applied for sports betting licenses.

The permits would have allowed the companies to operate until 2018, by which time it was hoped that the German government would have finalised a proper regulatory and licensing framework.

The EC rejection means more angst and delays as the bureaucrats return to their drafting in search of a practical and viable regime that will pass the Commission test.

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