Bet3000 has reinitiated its retail business. The company received provisional protections from GGL, the Federal Gambling Authority of Germany, against its license suspension.
On July 5, Bet3000’s license was temporarily removed from the GGL’s whitelist. This removal impacted Bet3000’s status as a sportsbook operator. It applied to both online and retail betting services under the Fourth Interstate Gambling Market (GlüNeuRStv).
The GGL stated that it enforced the suspension due to Bet3000’s failure to comply with technical requirements. Specifically, Bet3000 did not connect its customer database to the mandatory IT supervisory system, LUGAS, as required by the GlüNeuRStv.
The operating firm of Bet3000, IBIA Entertainment, filed an immediate appeal with the Administrative Court of Halle. It claims its technical failures were because of a third party being unable to integrate with LUGAS, that was experiencing IT disruptions.
The Magdeburg Higher Administrative Court granted an interim order allowing Bet3000 to resume its stationary operations in response to the appeal. This reinstates the company on the whitelist for retail services. The order provides provisional legal protection until the Halle Administrative Court makes a final decision.
Although the situation remains unresolved for Bet3000’s online operations, IBA Entertainment views the reinstatement as a significant interim success.
Hoping for a complete reinstatement of its both online and offline betting services, the company awaits further judicial review. While its online platform remains offline, Bet3000 will be allowed to continue to operate its 300 retail betting franchises across Germany until a final ruling is made.
The GGL has faced criticism for its immediate suspension of Bet3000’s online and retail license over technical compliance issues related to the GlüNeuRStv regime. The Authority should explain why it ordered its strict license suspension, putting 1,500 jobs at risk. This includes those at Bet3000’s betting agencies and associated businesses.
