DSWV: No Evidence of Match-Fixing Despite Dark Web Allegations in Germany

The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) has reiterated its call for stricter action against black-market operators in response to recent rumors of match-fixing in amateur football.

Last month, German authorities opened an investigation into alleged match-fixing in lower-tier football. According to a report by the Hamburger Morgenpost, scores from as many as 17 matches, ranging from the third division to regional leagues, were allegedly sold on the dark web for betting purposes.

Despite these claims, DSWV president Mathias Dahms stated that no evidence of match-fixing had been found by its members. However, he emphasized the difficulties posed by the black market, where regulatory oversight is minimal. Dahms made these comments during a Sports Committee meeting of the German Bundestag on October 9.

30% of the Market Unregulated

Dahms highlighted that licensed betting operators in Germany are barred from offering bets on amateur leagues, making it harder to track potential illegal activity.

“The issue mainly lies in the black market, where such offers persist,” Dahms said.

Even with increased regulatory efforts by the German gambling authority GGL over the past two years, Dahms estimates that around 30% of the German sports betting market remains unregulated. He noted that illegal platforms, which are readily accessible online, sponsor international teams and events, collaborate with influencers and music stars, and use cryptocurrencies, bypassing state supervision and taxes.

“This is where the real threats to the integrity of sports arise. Due to the lack of transparency, it cannot be excluded that such illegal offers may be used for match manipulation,” Dahms warned.

Lessons from the Past

While advocating for stricter action against unregulated operators, Dahms also acknowledged that Germany is well-equipped to fight match-fixing. Since the 2005 Hoyzer scandal, in which referee Robert Hoyzer was convicted of match manipulation for a gambling syndicate, Germany has introduced various measures to mitigate such risks, including the Interstate Treaty on Gambling and specific sections of the criminal code.

Germany also benefits from a robust coalition of stakeholders, including organized sports, betting providers, gambling regulators, and law enforcement agencies like the federal criminal police office. These groups collaborate through the National Platform to Combat the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, led by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, allowing for ongoing information sharing to detect and prevent match-fixing.

“There is no regulatory gap,” the DSWV confirmed.

However, Dahms cautioned that match-fixing could never be fully ruled out, and every suspected case should be thoroughly investigated.