The German broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk recently aired a documentary called 'Attack on amateur soccer - the greed of betting providers' which was dismissed by the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) who claimed the documentary misled viewers into believing bettors in Germany could get around any bans or restrictions.
So, what is the state of play and what alternatives are out there for football fans if the amateur game is off limits?
Strict Regulations and Blocks
Betting providers in Europe prevent cross-border betting with geo-blocking by identifying gamers through IP addresses and blocking access to legal sites across other markets, according to the DSWV. Operators must authenticate players each time they login to apps and sites whether on a smartphone or tablet while also identifying users by scanning government-issued ID the moment an account is created.
Such ID checks however are only conducted in EU countries when any winnings are due to be paid out. In the Bayerischer Rundfunk documentary, a players was featured using a virtual private network and fake ID to place a bet on an amateur fixture. However, the gamer was not seen receiving any winnings and this would be the stage when ID would be verified, the association said.
The DSWV believes GGL restrictions, among the strictest in Europe, which include bans on live betting, are actually driving people towards the black market and illegal sites.
“The real problem in connection with the German sports betting market is not the websites of legal betting providers in neighbouring European countries, but the numerous low-threshold and highly advertised betting offers from illegal sites," the DSWV insisted. "These evade all regulation and taxation and are very present in Germany.”
Alternative Matchday Options
Despite the ban on betting across amateur games, football followers in Germany still have countless opportunities to add an extra layer of excitement to matchday and wager on a range of professional leagues at the highest levels including the Premier League. To be sure of legitimacy, it is wise for players to compare and assess a range of platforms via comparison sites featuring expert reviews. This way fans can find sites which best suit their football betting preferences and style.
When searching for no deposit bonus casinos , gamers should conduct thorough research to find out how such offers and promotions can enhance their experience when placing wagers on football. If you are a relative novice keen to explore which options are available, welcome bonuses can allow you to make practice with a wager which won't require your funds or come with the usual financial risks associated with gambling online. A loyalty bonus, meanwhile, rewarded to players who consistently game with the same site for a period of time, can assist players to make an additional bet which may not ordinarily be possible. So, for example, after betting on the final result between Manchester City and Arsenal, a pick on the first goalscorer can also be made with no extra risk.
Enhanced Safety and Security with Licensed Sites
Supporters can predict the outcome of matches across the Bundesliga in Germany, the Premier League in England and a host of other divisions around Europe including LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie. When searching for odds and betting on games, it is imperative players do this via fully licensed and regulated platform. That's because these platforms take the safety and security of gamers extremely seriously and have implemented robust measures to ensure they are protected when placing wagers.
Many sites use SSL encryption technology which makes certain personal details, financial information and other sensitive data is kept out of the reach of would-be hackers. What's more two-factor authentication requires more than a single password which also better protects players. After enterting an initial password, a unique code will be sent a player's approved email or smartphone number. Only when this unique code has been entered will a gamer be granted access to login to the site, bolstering safety and security and ensuring malicious actors can't easily gain entry on another person's account.
Fantasy Football Gaming
Another great way to have fun in conjunction with the game is Fantasy Football play. Here, players can take on friends, family and even fellow enthusiasts around the world in different tournaments and leaderboards. The aim of the game is to pick a team of eleven and players earn points based on what they achieve out on the pitch in the real world. This an alternate way to make predictions and back different players while avoiding the restrictions on amateur games.
Overall, the landscape in Germany is frustrating for gamers who wish to bet on amateur fixtures throughout the campaign. However, that does not mean there aren't other games to wager on to boost your involvement on matchday. It is important to play with fully licensed and regulated platforms to ensure you are gaming in a fair and secure environment when placing your football bets.