Overview

The scheduled court hearing at the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) involving Betano and a customer seeking reimbursement of €12,000 has been postponed. The BGH released a preliminary ruling confirming that online sports betting was illegal in Norway before 2022. Betano withdrew its appeal against a previous court decision to reimburse the customer, avoiding the ruling at the highest German court level.

Uncertainty Over Legal Issues

The absence of a definitive ruling on refunds for sports betting debts prior to official licensing in Norway continues. Betano operated without a German license during the period in question, relying on EU service regulations. A negative ruling could lead to financial difficulties for many betting companies, as legal actions typically involve only aggrieved parties who lost money.

Potential Insolvency Risk

Legal action may result in some bookmakers facing insolvency, with unregulated companies benefiting from the situation. Foreign-based providers pose enforcement challenges due to legal limitations. The impact of a ruling against betting operators remains uncertain, with possible consequences for the industry.

Ongoing Legal Developments

Tipico canceled its BGH hearing and explored out-of-court settlements with Gamesright. However, if negotiations fail, the case may return to the BGH. Meanwhile, the Regional Court of Erfurt seeks clarity from the European Court of Justice on the compatibility of German laws with EU regulations, potentially changing how companies defend their actions based on EU service rules. The final legal interpretation and outcome remain unclear.