German State Restricts Unemployed from Sports Betting

In the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, unemployed citizens are no longer allowed to place large wagers on sporting events. The law was recently passed by the Cologne tribunal, and has garnered a great deal of controversy surrounding it.

Now, employees for Westlotto can refuse to take wagers from anyone that they believe is receiving any sort of social assistance from the government. A recent law indicated that they are not required to ask for proof, however, so they must depend only on their judgment.

Some would call this ‘discrimination’.

According to a spokesperson for Westlotto, it is discriminatory to restrict unemployed players from taking part in sports betting activities – especially since they are only operating on suspicion in order to determine whether or not they are deemed ‘suitable’ for placing wagers. The company also calls the law unrealistic, as it seems to be an ineffective means controlling gambling activity.

Currently the law does not state what constitutes a ‘large’ for an unemployed gambler. However, more details will be revealed as the story develops and we will keep you updated as they arise.¨