German bookmakers told to stop amateur football markets

The German bookmaking trade body DSWV has advised all betting operators in the country to stop taking bets on all German amateur football leagues as part of its commitment to the protection of minors and to sports integrity.

DSWV president Mathias Dahms said: “With this recommendation, we want to set an example to initiate dialogue with the sport and the regulatory authorities.”

The DSWV has been moved to offer this advice given the continuing uncertainty that has been bedevilling the German sports betting market for the last few years, given that the current set-up hinders effective cooperation between the sport, the authorities and the betting providers.

German operator Tipico said it played a significant role during DSWV’s decision making process and it had already reviewed its German betting programme prior to the Association’s decision. Last month Tipico decided to remove live markets such as bets on corners, yellow cards or penalties in football matches and plans to stop offering bets on the fifth tier of the DFB, its regional associations’ league system (Oberliga) and all Junior Bundesliga matches in Germany.