industry/LAWS AND REGULATIONS

According to DSWV, in Germany, illegal gambling sites outnumber legal ones by a staggering ratio of 11 to 1.

As the UEFA Champions League season kicks off, DSWV is urging players to stay vigilant and avoid the dangers of illegal gambling sites. The organization passionately argues that for every legitimate website, there are 12 illegal ones, urging intensified e

Written by Casino House Group Editorial Team

Published on September 18, 2025

Summary

As the UEFA Champions League season kicks off, DSWV is urging players to stay vigilant and avoid the dangers of illegal gambling sites.
The organization passionately argues that for every legitimate website, there are 12 illegal ones, urging intensified efforts to put a stop to this alarming trend.
To protect our shared interests, it's crucial for players, regulators, and operators to come together and weed out these illegal operators.

The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has issued a compelling statement, shining a spotlight on the dangers lurking in the illegal gambling world. They emphasize a startling reality: for every legal betting website, there are twelve illegal ones.

Illegal Gambling Websites Are Well and Thriving in Germany

The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) is sounding the alarm on the overwhelming presence of illegal betting websites dedicated to the UEFA Champions League season. They reported a staggering 382 unauthorized sites compared to a mere 34 legitimate ones. It's a daunting 11:1 ratio favoring the black market, and this endangers players, warns Mathias Dahms, president of the DSWV. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in legal sports betting where players enjoy critical protections, secure payouts, and contribute to public funds through taxes. In stark contrast, illegal platforms ignore regulations, offer no safety, and carry a heightened risk of gambling addiction. Though eliminating illegal gambling overnight is a tall order, DSWV remains optimistic. They stress the need for consumers to exercise caution, ensuring that the betting sites they choose are officially licensed by Germany’s regulatory authority, the GGL. Dahms urges players to be particularly vigilant during critical times in the sports calendar, such as the Champions League. He stresses the importance of legal providers maintaining a strong presence with perimeter ads and TV commercials. He calls on everyone involved—from regulators and operators to players—to focus on maximizing participation in the licensed market and steering clear of offshore sites.