Criticism by the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) towards the statistical data on the sports betting market provided by the German Central Office for Addiction Questions (DHS)
In a surprising turn of events, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has sharply criticized the German Central Office for Addiction Issues (DHS) for overestimating the legal sports betting market in 2023. The DHS calculated a turnover of 12 billion euros, a figure that the DSWV finds questionable.
The DSWV's criticism may stem from several factors. One possibility is a market data discrepancy, with the DSWV suspecting that the DHS may have used outdated or incorrect data, or employed different data sources or methodologies. Another concern is the potential impact of overly strict regulations, which could harm the industry by limiting its growth and driving customers to the illegal market.
Moreover, the DSWV worries that an overestimation of the market could lead to an exaggerated focus on addiction risks, potentially resulting in unnecessary restrictions that disproportionately affect legal operators. Lastly, the DSWV believes that overestimation could influence public perception and policy decisions, affecting the competitive balance within the industry.
The DSWV suspects that the DHS may have accidentally included turnover from the illegal market in its estimate. Furthermore, the DSWV finds it incomprehensible how the DHS's figures could be based on tax revenues, suggesting a possible "deliberate or unconscious distortion" of the actual market conditions.
Meanwhile, the German Automated Vending Association (DAW) and the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (RWI) have also criticized the uncritical handling of gambling statistics in the media. To combat misinformation, the DAW created a portal called the FaktenHub, but there are still few reports on the website, with the last entry made in mid-April 2025.
Interestingly, while the DHS estimated a 28.6 percent year-on-year growth in the legal sports betting market, the DSWV's figures suggest a 5.4 percent shrinkage. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the accuracy of the DHS's calculations and the potential for incorrect conclusions to be drawn.
Despite the controversy, it remains uncertain whether the DHS will make its calculation basis transparent. The gambling and sports betting market in Germany may continue to be a statistical black box, presenting challenges for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
However, a market research institute commissioned by the DAW found that only about 0.73% of the population is affected by problematic or pathological gambling behavior. This suggests that while the market may be complex, the addiction risks may not be as widespread as some estimates imply.
In conclusion, the debate over the size and growth of the German sports betting market continues, with the DSWV and DHS at odds over the market's true dimensions. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for all parties to strive for transparency and accuracy to ensure informed decision-making and a fair and regulated market for all.
What could be the reason for the DSWV's questioning of the DHS's estimate of the 2023 legal sports betting market? Could it be due to concerns about market data discrepancies, potential impacts of overly strict regulations, or the possibility of including turnover from the illegal market in the estimate? Additionally, the DSWV finds it perplexing how the DHS's figures could be based on tax revenues, suggesting a potential distortion of the real market conditions.
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