The authority responsible for licensing sports betting operators in Germany has confirmed that a total of 15 applicants have been approved to operate in the market.

The Darmstadt Regional Council has awarded online sports betting licenses to 15 operators, seven of which have also secured approval to operate retail betting locations (see table).

The council said that the 15 licensees account for approximately 75% of the betting market in Germany, with a further 31 license applications still under consideration.

“This ends a long stalemate in German gaming regulations,” said Hesse interior minister Peter Beuth. “From now on, those who adhere to the important rules for the protection of players and minors are also allowed to offer legal sports betting.”

“Only with a strictly controlled offer can the goals of the State Treaty on Gambling be implemented and the illegal growth on the black market curtailed. Our goal is not for as many people as possible to bet on sports, but for players to bet in a state-regulated environment and not be driven into illegality,” Beuth added. “The Darmstadt Regional Council has built up a great deal of expertise in the regulation of gambling and will closely monitor the sports betting market.”

LICENSED SPORTS BETTING OPERATORS IN GERMANY AS OF 13 OCTOBER 2020