Much like the UIGEA in the United States, Germany has instated their own gambling ban. But will it topple like the Berlin Wall did twenty years ago?
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.
All German players are invited to visit Online Casino Reports Germany for local news and developments.
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