Hesse state government calls for overhaul of German regulation

The government of the German state of Hesse has outlined a series of proposals for a revised framework as it looks to accelerate change ahead of a crucial European Court of Justice opinion later this month.

Among its guidelines is a call to implement loss-limits and self-restriction protocols in place of the Interstate Treaty’s plans for a flat €1,000 per month limit on player staking, a limit opposed by industry.

The proposals also recommend the removal of the controversial 20-licence limit for sports betting, with Hesse of the opinion that a quantitative ceiling on the award of licences would not lead to an improvement in the prevention of addiction.

“We commit ourselves to a qualitative limitation of licenses,” Peter Beuth, Hess state minister, said. “Betting providers who implement the objectives of the State Treaty correctly should receive a concession,” he added.

And the guidelines also outline a requirement to regulate online casino and poker, citing the large black market which has developed in the absence of a federal licensing system.

“Hesse has repeatedly pointed out that we need a revision of the existing legal framework,” Beuth said. “Our goal is clear: the gaming market in Germany must again be subject to clear rules.

“It is in the interests of male and female players, the providers, and not least the taxpayer that the Hessian proposals are implemented as soon as possible,” he added.

Later this month the advocate general of the European Court of Justice will deliver an opinion on case C-335/14, more commonly known as the “Ince” case, which could ultimately force Germany to tear up its regulatory framework if it is found to be non-compliant.