Critics from GGL and DSWV voice concerns over alleged secret pacts to boost gambling deposit limits
The Word on the Wire: GGL and DSWV Deny Secret Deal on Gambling Deposit Limits
By Timm Schaffner (Edited by Angela Burke)
Originally published on: 10.03.2025.Last updated on: 30.04.2025
THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY SKIRTS SECRET AGREEMENT RUMORS
Sensational headlines regarding an alleged secret agreement among federal states and online gambling providers to bypass deposit limits have been circulating. But, hold your horses! The Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) and the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) have firmly shut down these claims, branding them as falsehoods and referring to a seemingly unassuming financial instrument, the Schufa-G inquiry, as a legitimate means to assess players' financial abilities.
GGL STAYS PUT, UNCONCERNED
Rumors swiftly surfaced, claiming that a vast, behind-the-scenes agreement had allowed gambling providers to skirt the deposit limits of €1,000 per month set out in the State Gaming Treaty by resorting to a Schufa-G inquiry. This seemingly innocuous financial check apparently provided a loophole, permitting players to increase their limits without the need for detailed income or asset audits.
In a swift "FAQ-style" clarification, the GGL asserted that the Schufa-G inquiry is "permissible" for assessing a player's financial performance capabilities. The move aims to shield players by ensuring that only those deemed financially capable will be granted higher deposit limits. The GGL stresses that the procedures complied with the State Gaming Treaty since their inception, and no secret agreements have been struck.
DSWV SCRAPS SENATIONALIZED SLANTS
The DSWV reproaches the press more strenuously, characterizing the exaggerated portrayal as groundless. The DSWV asserted that the procedure is far from a secret agreement but a legally binding court settlement, which took place in 2024 at the Administrative Court of Darmstadt and is duly documented in official records.
Moreover, "the industry body declared the exaggerated tally of 1.3 million gambling addicts in Germany" as a highly contentious statistic, riddled with methodological flaws, as criticized by various experts.
YES, WE HAVE NO BANANAS! (OR GAMBLING ADDICTS)
The DSWV's criticisms come in the wake of recurring references to the purported figure of 1.3 million gambling addicts in Germany, as mentioned during the discussions on the Schufa-G query. However, the DSWV deems this figure inherently suspect, collected in the Gambling Atlas 2023, which faced numerous criticisms for its methodological shortcomings from various experts.
GGL TAKES A WAIT-AND-SEE APPROACH
The GGL has expressed that it continually examines the procedures employed during its oversight, including the Schufa-G inquiry. Potential changes to the application of these procedures could ensue based on the results of such reviews, particularly if court decisions suggest it.
Despite the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt's ruling in December 2024, stating that the Schufa-G inquiry was unsuitable in this context, the GGL based in the same federal state seems content to maintain the status quo for now.
In essence, the gambling world dances away from allegations of secretive intentions and embraces the Schufa-G inquiry. However, if court decisions challenge this approach, the GGL may find itself relying on a new step to protect players and ensure responsible gaming.
- What are the rumors regarding the alleged secret agreement among federal states and online gambling providers about deposit limits? They claim that a Schufa-G inquiry has allowed gambling providers to bypass deposit limits set out in the State Gaming Treaty.
- Regarding the Schufa-G inquiry, the GGL asserts that it is permissible for assessing a player's financial performance capabilities. The aim is to safeguard players by ensuring only those deemed financially capable will be granted higher deposit limits.
- The DSWV firmly rebukes the exaggerated portrayal of the Schufa-G inquiry as a secret agreement. Instead, they claim it's a legally binding court settlement that took place at the Administrative Court of Darmstadt in 2024.
- The DSWV critiques the recurring reference to the purported figure of 1.3 million gambling addicts in Germany, collected in the Gambling Atlas 2023, as highly contentious, riddled with methodological flaws, and criticized by various experts. The GGL, meanwhile, continues to examine the procedures employed during its oversight, including the Schufa-G inquiry, and may implement changes based on review results and court decisions.
