German addiction commissioner calls for betting ads ban at Euro 2024

LEIPZIG, Germany - The drug and addiction commissioner of the German federal government, Burkhard Blienert, has called for a ban on sports betting advertisement during the Euro 2024 in Germany.

"The Euro 2024 is a major event that will be followed with enthusiasm all over Europe. This event should be a football festival, and not accompanied by advertising for risky behaviour," Blienert told German news agency (dpa).

"We can send a strong signal as the Federal Republic of Germany that we take the risks posed by sports betting seriously and go into the games free of advertising," he added.

In addition, the commissioner suggested that advertising for sports betting should only be shown "out of prime time" for broadcasters and "mostly after 11pm".

A voluntary waiver of advertising, however, is almost impossible since it is very important for betting providers. Therefore, a ban would be necessary, but the president of the German sports betting association (DSWV) considers such step unrealistic.

"I can rule out a ban on sports betting advertisement. For that, the interstate treaty on gambling would have to be amended. In my opinion, this is impossible in the short time available," Matthias Dahm said referring to the time left until the Euros in the summer of 2024.

He added that a possible proposal "is not capable of gaining majority support among the 16 federal states".

The interstate treaty on gambling regulates how sports betting may be advertised in Germany since 2021.

There are currently no official figures available on how many people in Germany are addicted to sports betting. In its annual report in 2022, the German centre for addiction issues said that about one third of sports gamblers show signs of a gambling disorder. - BERNAMA-dpa