Germany Gambling Ban to be Torn Down?

The controversial German Interstate Treaty on Gambling is poised to topple, unless a revision is accepted by all 16 participating states by January 1, 2012, when the current treaty expires.

German Law
In an all encompassing ruling, Germany instated a ban on all forms of online gambling (except for horse racing) - much like the now infamous UIGEA ban in the United States. It has also been argued by a betting association, EGBA, whether the treaty is in direct violation of the European Law, Article 49 of the Treaty of Rome, which restricts the rights of its members by allowing access to online gambling. Two companies, Bwin and Unibet, fall under this treaty and jurisdiction of the European Union and have been instrumental in the voicing of the violation to authorities on their behalf.

German Politics
However, as operators and opposition parties lobby on, the Christian-Democratic (CDU) and Liberal Party (FDP) in Schleswieg-Holstein, have called for the cancellation of the ban. As one of the 16 states, this puts quite the wrench into the renewal of the ban, unless a revision is created and implemented.

The CDU and FDP are looking to create an intrastate licensing system should the other states fail to agree on a revised strategy, which currently operates on a monopolistic platform. The new system would apply to both land-based and online gaming and betting.

Should the January 1, 2012 deadline pass without any ratification, the current ban will become null and void. Keep checking in with us here for any updated news on this hot button topic.

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