Germany Sets Deadline for Licenses

41 providers vie for 20 licenses

The German gaming regulator has given interested parties until March 14th to submit applications for federal sports betting licenses. It is reported that 41 providers are competing to be awarded 20 licenses. Recent changes to German gambling laws have increased restrictions on the activity, making life harder for providers.

The candidates originally submitted applications last November, but the regulator later issued a statement that not one of them met the qualifications to receive a license. Each applicant was given a report on why it was rejected and was invited to reapply.

The German gaming regulator has given interested parties until March 14th to submit applications for federal sports betting licenses.

Betting as popular as regulation is rigid

Betting shops and online sportsbooks in Germany enjoy a lot of popularity, as they do in much of the world. While taking a break from operating complex machinery or working at the local bank, many a German enjoys placing bets on football matches, among other events. 
Germany has a fairly rigid regulatory regime, however. The recent interstate treaty allowed state governments in the country to place additional restrictions on private arcades and betting services. As many state governments operate their own casinos, some see this as a method to reduce competition from the private sector.