German Regulators Reject Plea To Ban Gambling Advertisement
The German Gambling Association have rejected pleas from ministers to ban gambling advertising in an effort to preserve the recent increased user activity. The calls came from several German parliament employees who feel that the unrestricted nature of betting marketing is dangerous for society. Despite the negative claims, the country’s regulators are refusing to budge on the matter and believe that the increase in online gambling is beneficial to the industry. This year has been dominated by discussions over ethical concerns related to gambling, and Germany are set to continue the saga this week.
Several German ministers are upset with the decision made by the country’s betting regulators to maintain the current legislation surrounding online gambling marketing. Despite numerous attempts to rally the cause in parliament, their words have fallen on deaf ears, and they’ve struggled to mount any real case against the advertising material. ©tvjoern/Pixabay
The German government are closely tied to the regulatory department responsible for the gambling industry. The obvious connection through funding isn’t the only reason for the constant collaboration; several government ministers are closely connected to the industry through various means. It often leads to many discussions concerning the online sportsbook scene in government buildings, and since the explosion of online betting, there have been many new issues to discuss. Regulators have rejected several pleas to restrict advertising standards, and they continue to do so to this day.
The motion was initially declared by Bremen’s representative Ulrich Mäurer as he has personal stakes in the betting industry as well as many other sectors. Bremen has some of the highest casino numbers in the country. Aside from Berlin, the German city has one of the biggest land-based establishment scenes in Europe. Having one of the oldest populations in Germany, many of whom don’t have access to the internet are more likely to choose casinos and gambling halls over online sportsbooks for convenience.
Mäurer is a big supporter of reducing gambling adverts on social media and television, and he believes that the regulators should do more to protect vulnerable members of society such as children and former addicts. Europe has witnessed a large ethical discussion revolving around the use of betting marketing and its impact on people, and many other governments are keen to cut down on the material. For example, the Dutch government is cutting down on sportsbook advertising to protect consumers.
No one can be sure what action the country’s regulators will take next, but most are predicting that they won’t budge on their position. In previous reports, they’ve made it very clear that they do not want to put more pressure on the gambling industry as the pandemic has already caused major financial losses. Advertising is a key area for many online sportsbooks and remains one of the most efficient ways to increase user bases and bring in new customers. Betting sites often use free bets and other incentives to draw in new players.
The German Regulators Refuse to Budge
The German Gambling Association is one of the most well-respected industry representatives in all of Europe, and they managed to deal with the hassle of the pandemic effectively by supporting smaller firms and taxing larger corporations. Their policies could be considered socialist by onlookers, but they are doing what they can to keep the sector afloat after a difficult financial year. Land-based casinos have struggled in particular due to forced closures and a massive loss in revenue. Ministers in the country are keen to focus their efforts on rejuvenating these businesses.
Despite the backlash from Mäurer and other ministers, the regulators are refusing to move a muscle on the matter. Mäurer has been very critical of football teams, in particular those who accept betting sponsorships and advertise to young fans. He is highlighting a very important issue and many other European governments are also in the same predicament. Betting brands make up almost 19% of the current football sponsorship deals in Europe’s top five leagues, and many are concerned with the effect this could have on society as a whole.
