News

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Bavaria bans shirt sponsoring online betting operator

In a press statement of 12 May, the regional government of Bavaria announced to prosecute the Gibraltar based online gaming company Betandwin.com if it would sponsor soccer club 1860 München.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bavaria, the advertising of illegal sports betting is forbidden according to law and those engaged will be prosecuted. The enforcement authorities have been asked to investigate the sponsor agreement and to act against any illegal element.

Earlier this year, the German Supreme Court ruled that the regional betting monopolies needed to adjust their marketing policies and cut down on advertising and promotion of gambling services. The justification for state gambling monopolies, argued the Court, is to restrict gaming opportunities and protect public order and consumers.

The Bavarian lottery and sports betting monopoly have followed the Court’s ruling and, declares the Bavarian government, are the only legal form of gambling in the region. All private betting companies are prohibited in Bavaria, whether they operate with a license of Gibraltar or indeed another German region. Bavaria says it would therefore prosecute Betandwin or any other betting operator that offers betting in Bavaria.