German Sports Betting Association (DSWV)

History & Founding

The DSWV was founded in 2014 as a non‑profit organisation by leading German and European sports‑betting providers. Its creation responded to the need for a coordinated industry voice during the protracted process of legalising and regulating sports betting under Germany’s Third State Treaty on Gambling. Since then, the association has grown steadily, adding members as the licensing regime evolved.

Regulatory & Advocacy Role

The DSWV’s primary function is advocacy. It interacts with federal and state authorities, particularly the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), to shape the regulatory environment. The association has been vocal about the unintended consequences of the Fourth State Treaty on Gambling (in force from July 2021), arguing that excessive monitoring, strict product restrictions, and the turnover tax on virtual slots and poker have hampered the regulated market and boosted illegal alternatives. To support its positions, the DSWV has commissioned research—for example, a University of Leipzig study that found nearly half of all online gambling in Germany occurs on unlicensed sites.

Membership & Services

Membership is open to all operators holding a German sports‑betting licence. Current members include Admiral Bet, Bet‑at‑home, Bet365, Betway, BildBet, bwin, Interwetten, Sportwetten.de, Tipico, and Oddset Sportwetten, among others. The DSWV provides a platform for information exchange, policy briefings, and collective action. It also operates a press office that issues statements on industry developments.

Financial & Market Data

According to the association’s website, its members collectively handle approximately €8.2 billion in betting stakes annually, pay out €6.2 billion in winnings, and contribute over €423 million in sports‑betting taxes. The DSWV estimates that the legal sector supports around 6,700 jobs in Germany and that member advertising and sponsorship spend totals €190 million per year.

Partnerships & Networks

The DSWV has established a network of associated partners—companies that provide services to the betting industry. In 2022, CRIF GmbH became the first associated partner, bringing expertise in KYC, AML, and risk management. In 2024, two further partners joined: Kerberos Compliance, a regtech firm focusing on risk and compliance, and performanceLiebe, a marketing agency.

Criticism & Controversy

The DSWV does not shy away from criticising regulatory bodies. In May 2025, it publicly scolded the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) for what it called a “fabricated bad light” portrayal of the sports‑betting market. The association argued that BZgA’s analysis ignored the effectiveness of licensed operators’ player‑protection measures.

Organisational Structure

The DSWV is governed by a Presidium (executive council) that includes a President, Vice‑President, and additional board members, alongside a Chief Executive Officer who manages day‑to‑day operations. Policy advice and press work are handled by dedicated staff. The association also has an advisory board, the Presidium, which includes elected members such as Dr. Damir Böhm, CEO of Tipwin.