Bet3000 demands GGL withdraw Interstate suspension

Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), The Federal Gambling Authority of Germany has been ordered to explain why it has suspended the license of Bet3000.

On Thursday, 25 July, the GGL withdrew Bet3000 license holder, IBA Entertainment, from its ‘white-list’ of businesses allowed to operate a Germany’s Fourth Interstate Gambling Market (GlüNeuRStv) license.

IBA was instructed to close Bet3000’s online website and to instruct its 300 betting franchises operating in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia to close venues.

GGL carried out its enforcement due to “non-compliance with technical requirements” in which it determined that Bet3000 was “vulnerable and unsustainable” to operate its license.

The GGL cited Bet3000’s failure to comply with specific technical requirements as the primary reason for the license suspension. The issues reportedly involved Bet3000’s connection to the mandatory IT supervisory system LUGAS, which experienced disruptions.

Malta-based IBA Entertainment stated that the technical problems were caused by a third-party service provider and had been resolved by the time the GGL made its decision. Despite the resolution, the license was still revoked.

Bet3000’s parent company, has initiated legal proceedings against the GGL’s decision, claiming that the enforcement was unjust and did not follow due process. The company has filed a lawsuit and an urgent application with the Halle Administrative Court, seeking to overturn the license suspension.

Bet3000 parent argues that the GGL failed to adhere to the graduated enforcement procedures outlined in the Fouth State Treaty on Gambling. The safety procedures require setting a ‘reasonable deadline for compliance’ before taking enforcement action. IBA claims that no such deadline was given, and the immediate execution of the license suspension lacked sufficient justification.

The license suspension has led to the closure of Bet3000’s online platform and its physical betting venues, affecting its operations across Germany.

The GGL’s enforcement action puts approximately 1,500 jobs at risk, including those at Bet3000’s betting agencies and associated businesses.

IBA is awaiting a provisional expedited decision from the court, hoping to secure legal protection and potentially resume operations. The company is also seeking an interim order from the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt to temporarily lift the license suspension while legal proceedings are ongoing.