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One rogue German state defies the national plan

Last month, German politicians voted to regulate online gambling with a farcical, uncompetitive regime which would only send punters abroad in search of half-decent odds. At least 15 of the 16 states voted for it, one - Schleswig-Holstein - rocked the boat by going their own way....

Breaking News: EC approves Schleswig-Holstein law

The European Commission has ruled Schleswig-Holstein’s draft gambling law as compliant with EU law, giving Germany’s northernmost state the green light to pass a bill this summer and the licensing process to begin as early as this autumn, eGaming Review has learned.

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bwin.party's Shepherd added: "We are encouraged by the outcome of the EU notification process for Schleswig-Holstein’s proposed law for online gaming. With just two minor points to be addressed, we view the EU’s findings as a clear signal to the other 15 Federal States that Schleswig-Holstein is moving in the right direction.”

Betfair said that in contrast to the draft State Treaty of the 15 other German Lander the Schleswig-Holstein bill has a “more pragmatic approach” to regulate the industry, which includes best-practice examples from other European regions. The German state would install a 20% gross profits tax, allow all products, an unlimited amount of licences and implement strict consumer player protection.

In an official statement the ruling conservative-liberal coalition in Schleswig-Holstein said that following its approval the EC could scupper the federal draft State Treaty submitted by the 15 other Lander last month.


So one state refuses to shaft punters (and companies) blindly with exorbitant taxes, and the rest of the country's politicians will be pissed off that they've spoiled the party. Interesting times ahead in Germany, there's a long way to go before this gets settled, and the likes of bwin.party and Betfair will see their share prices ebb and flow accordingly.

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