Germany: Revised Gambling Regime From 1 January 2012?

On 6 April 2011, the heads of the federal states (Ministerpräsidenten der Länder) decided that the existing gambling regime in Germany will be revised to admit certain forms of sports bets offered by private operators, as well as certain internet activities. The existing separation between lotteries and sports bets will, however, be maintained. Only the latter will be subject to a system of seven concessions valid nationwide. The revised law (Erster Glücksspieländerungsstaatsvertrag) is intended to become effective on 1 January 2012.