In 2021, sports betting operators in Germany achieved 20.6% higher turnover compared to the previous year, more than making up for the dip due to the pandemic. Owing to the anticipated boost of up to €1 billion in the face of the World Cup in Qatar, this could be followed by a new record increase – but while betting fever continues to run rampant among the population, the UN is voicing concern about the situation. This is shown in a new infographic from the industry portal WettanbieterBonus.de.
Sports betting is growing in popularity, both nationally and internationally, as is clearly demonstrated by a look at the trend in revenues. Turnover generated by sports betting has been rising continuously since 2014, with the only exception of 2020. Yet this decline can almost certainly be attributed to the pandemic, as a large number of sporting events around the world were simply cancelled or postponed in the first year of the public health crisis.
Moreover, the trend sends a clear message: sales are continuing to rise. Market observers expect a special effect of between €750 million and €1 billion in the course of the World Cup in Qatar. As the infographic shows, the average German adult is expected to spend between €11 and €14.50 on betting during the World Cup in Qatar.
Various data show that Germans are keen on betting, especially during major sporting events. For example, 16% of the Germans surveyed immediately before the European Championship in 2021 said they would like to participate in betting games or sports betting during the tournament.
It is clear that sports betting providers are profiting from this trend. But they are not the only ones. The German state is also reaping the benefits. In 2020 alone, €389 million in sports betting taxes were paid in Germany. This represents an increase of around 72% compared to 2014.
Yet the trend also has its downsides, at least according to the UN. They say that betting fever has considerable consequences for sport, and that there is „more danger than ever of manipulation“. Moreover, according to a UN publication, „no country, no discipline and no level of play“ is exempt, and the number of suspected cases of manipulation has increased significantly across the board. Virtual tournaments in the e-sports sector are particularly susceptible to this. According to the UN, the betting market is growing, in part due to increasing social recognition, prominent advertising figures and the easy accessibility of betting sites.
