Despite the rigorous efforts of lawmakers and gambling regulators across Europe, illegal gambling remains a challenge to the legal sector. Unlawful operations are often tied to criminal activities, including money laundering and match-fixing. The latter is precisely one of the concerns of gambling stakeholders in Germany.
No Evidence Suggests Manipulation in Amateur Leagues
Only recently, reports emerged about suspected match-fixing in amateur soccer. As reported by local media outlets, more than a dozen amateur games may have been affected by manipulation including regional and even lower-division soccer matches.
In light of the suspected match-fixing in amateur soccer, Mathias Dahms, the president of DSWV, the German Sports Betting Association, spoke as a witness during a meeting of the Sports Committee of the German Bundestag. Taking place earlier this week, the debate revolved around match-fixing and the country’s capabilities of successfully combating such threats.
Notably, Dahms explained that the DSWV and its members have not identified any match-fixing attempts in amateur leagues, despite media reports speculating on the matter. Still, the executive pointed to the limitations when it comes to identifying such attempts as after all, the Association and its members have oversight on the legal sector. He did remind that licensed German operators are not permitted to offer wagers on amateur leagues.
“With regard to media speculation about possible manipulation in the amateur sector, the DSWV members cannot identify any evidence of manipulation, although their view is limited,“
explained Mathias Dahms, president of the DSWV
Germany and Licensed Operators Are Equipped to Effectively Combat Manipulation Attempts
DSWV’s executive pointed to the scrutiny when it comes to match-fixing and manipulation attempts ever since the infamous Hoyzer scandal in 2005. He explained that with such high awareness of the matter, sports leagues and regulators have dedicated additional efforts to combat betting-related manipulation in sports.
Additionally, Dahms confirmed that Germany has the ability to successfully combat match-fixing. “Germany is well positioned when it comes to raising awareness, preventing and combating match-fixing,” the executive revealed during the recent meeting.
He spoke about the threat of the black market where bets on amateur leagues are available. Thus, Dahms confirmed that the DSWV is calling for “a stronger fight against illegal providers who jeopardize the integrity of the sport with their opaque offers.”
DSWV’s president acknowledged that the criminal law and betting regulations in Germany are “sufficient instruments” for the effective prevention and punishment of match-fixing. He also added: “There’s no regulatory deficit.”
At the same time, Dahms said that licensed betting operators have an economic interest to prevent and fight against match-fixing. On a cautious note, the executive admitted that manipulation in sports can never be fully eliminated, which is why he supported a thorough investigation of every suspected case.
