Betting Monopoly Favored by German Federal Court

Bwin.party loses the case Sept. 29 may enter the history of German gambling as the day when the pastime suffered a severe blow, with Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruling against the appeals appeals brought by internet gambling companies including bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plc. Namely, in its ruling, the court was swayed on the side of the ban that prohibits private-sector companies from operating online gambling websites, assessing it as justified in terms of fight against the dangers associated with gambling. According to the presiding judge Joachim Bornkamm, “Because of the greater dangers of the Internet, above all anonymity, lack of social control and accessibility at any time, this sales venue can be subject to stricter regulation.” On the other side, Bwin e.K., which is reportedly considering filing a constitutional complaint, stated that “The ban violates European rules and won't last. A regulated market opening is the only way to combat the black market in Germany and to comply with EU requirements.”