80 operators applied for 20 licenses
Germany’s Green Party has joined a chorus of criticism aimed at the Hesse Ministry of Interior and Sports. Pressure is growing on the HMDIS to restructure and reform its online sports betting framework, according to SBC News; the Greens say the ministry should remove its 20-license cap and include licensing provisions based on qualifications, rather than giving priority to pre-qualified bookmakers.
The European Court of Justice agrees and says it will investigate Germany’s legislative procedure. European operators have complained that the HMDIS has violated interstate competition practices. Of 80 operators who applied for the 20 available licenses, those who were denied say the regulator did not fully explain why they had been declined.
The ECJ court in Luxembourg is expected to rule on the matter by September, reported SBC.
