LUGAS: The New Reality of Sports Betting in Germany
A new era has dawned for sports betting enthusiasts in Germany. The updated Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which took effect in July 2021, introduced significant changes for both betting providers and customers. One of the most notable is LUGAS, a control system designed to combat gambling addiction.
What Exactly is LUGAS?
LUGAS stands for “Länderübergreifendes Glücksspielaufsichtssystem,” which translates to “Cross-State Gambling Supervision System.” It’s essentially an IT system that anonymously stores customer data from all betting providers licensed in Germany.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL) manages LUGAS. This authority is primarily responsible for overseeing gambling activities across Germany.
Since July 2022, all betting providers in Germany have been required to cooperate with the GGL through LUGAS, sharing specific customer data.
Key Changes Introduced by LUGAS
LUGAS has brought about two major changes:
- Deposit Limits: A maximum monthly deposit limit of €1,000 has been set for each customer. While exceptions exist, allowing for an increase to this limit, the betting provider must report any such adjustments to the LUGAS system.
- Activity Monitoring: Sports betting providers must monitor the betting activity of each customer. This means bettors cannot be simultaneously logged in to multiple betting platforms.
In addition to these changes, providers must transmit names, addresses, dates of birth, and places of birth to LUGAS. The system assigns each player a unique, anonymized ID to store this data.
Why is LUGAS Necessary?
Legislators aim to better regulate gambling and have developed LUGAS to enhance player protection and curb gambling addiction.
Criticism of the LUGAS System
The implementation of LUGAS has faced criticism. Experts argue that it violates data privacy regulations. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of clarity regarding technical failures within LUGAS and who bears responsibility for potential damages. Some argue that betting providers shouldn’t be solely liable.
Furthermore, critics contend that the data retention period is excessively long and encompasses too much information.
How to Increase Your Deposit Limit
If you reach the €1,000 monthly deposit limit, you won’t be able to deposit more funds, even with another betting provider. However, you can request an increase to your LUGAS limit by providing proof of your income and creditworthiness.
If you can demonstrate your financial capacity by submitting documentation like a pay stub, your provider may increase your monthly limit.
LUGAS: Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a summary of the most important questions about LUGAS:
What is LUGAS?
LUGAS stands for “Cross-State Gambling Supervision System.” It’s an IT control system designed to monitor gambling activities and store data from all bettors in Germany.
What data is transmitted to LUGAS?
Betting providers must transmit personal data (name, address, date of birth, place of birth), the monthly deposit limit, and data on betting behavior to LUGAS.
How can I delete my data from LUGAS?
Users cannot directly delete data in LUGAS. Data can only be deleted when the bettor closes their betting account. The betting provider then initiates the deletion of the LUGAS data.
What is the LUGAS deposit limit?
This refers to the monthly deposit limit monitored by LUGAS, set at €1,000. It can be increased if a customer proves their creditworthiness.
What else should I know about sports betting with LUGAS?
LUGAS stipulates that bettors with multiple betting accounts can only be logged into one at a time. If you want to switch to another account, you must wait approximately 5 minutes before logging into another betting platform.
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