Eurovision rekindles debate over Germany's sports betting restrictions
As millions of viewers across Europe geared up for the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest, the excitement was not just about the music. In most European countries, it was also about the bets—who would win, which country would get the dreaded “nul points”, or whether a dark horse would steal the show. Yet, for German viewers, the betting slip remains empty.
“When it is hopefully ‘And twelve points go to Germany’ again from various countries tomorrow,” begins a recent press release from the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), “millions of people in Germany, Europe and the whole world will be cheering on the artists at the Eurovision Song Contest. For the majority of them, it will be a matter of course to be able to place a bet on the victory of their favorite. In Germany, however, this is not possible.“
Outdated law, says the trade association
Germany’s strict regulatory framework, dictated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, limits legal betting exclusively to specific sports competitions. As a result, betting on popular non-sporting events like Eurovision, the Oscars, or even the papal election is banned—despite widespread interest. This restriction has led to mounting criticism that the rules are out of touch with modern entertainment culture.
“This shows that in many respects, the German regulations do not reflect the reality of people’s lives,” the DSWV argues. The association notes that in countries like the UK, it’s perfectly legal to place bets on a wide variety of social and cultural events. In contrast, Germany still draws a firm line between what constitutes sports betting and other forms of event betting.
Ironically, the very events, such as Eurovision, that are off-limits to regulated operators in Germany are widely discussed in terms of betting odds. “The German public is increasingly talking about the bookmakers’ betting odds,” the DSWV observes. “The media and commentators like to quote these odds when it comes to favourites and outsiders in cultural and other major events.” In doing so, they unintentionally stoke demand for precisely the kinds of wagers that can only be placed with unlicensed—and often unsafe—operators.
Illicit market fills the void
“The consequences are foreseeable,” the association warns. “Interested users will inevitably switch to illegal providers, where neither consumer protection nor effective prevention of problematic gambling behaviour is guaranteed.” For the DSWV, the solution is clear: legalise event betting to bring it under the umbrella of regulated gambling.
The also highlights broader issues with the current system. Even in the realm of sports—supposedly the only domain where betting is legal—the restrictions are significant. “Compared to the UK, for example, only around 35% of sports and around 13% of competitions are bettable in Germany,” notes the DSWV. This includes severe limitations on live betting, which represents a major segment of the market in many other jurisdictions.
Legal reform could benefit everyone
According to the DSWV, expanding the scope of legal betting could serve multiple goals: it would satisfy consumer demand, improve player protection, and weaken the illegal market. “A transparent and legal betting offer for cultural and social events, as well as a wider range of bets on sports and sports competitions, will drive out illegal providers in the long term and at the same time generate additional tax revenue,” the statement concludes.
As the spotlight shines on Eurovision, the DSWV hopes this annual cultural event will do more than entertain—it might just help Germany modernise its approach to betting.
