The prohibition of online sports betting: a comparative analysis of Germany and the United States

This paper examines online sports betting in Germany and the USA, two countries that differ from the global trend that has been moving toward the legalization and liberalization of the sector. The following research questions are asked: Which joint factors led to the prohibition of online sports wagering in Germany and the USA? In what ways do the cases differ? After explaining the methodology of this research and conducting the case studies, the paper discusses the similarities and differences between the two countries, such as the official and unofficial reasons behind the bans, the administrative responsibilities of the issue, different policy instruments for implementing the bans, exceptions to the prohibition, the important role of courts in the debate, external pressure to change the respective national regulations, and the powerful role of sports governing associations that offer, in both cases, the main reasons for recent policy-making decisions.