Tipico Targets Black Market with “Trusted Partner” Certification

Is Germany’s black market gambling crisis spinning out of control? Tipico believes they have the solution: a “Trusted Partner” program that holds game manufacturers accountable for licensing standards. You want fair gameplay, strict regulation, and safer wagering choices for all German players. Read on to see how Tipico’s move could reshape the future of regulated gaming in Germany.

Tipico “Trusted Partner” Program Strikes Back at Illegal Gambling in Germany

3 Key Points

1. Certified manufacturers agree to only serve licensed operators, upholding player protection and tax compliance.
2. Tipico offers broad marketing exposure to certified suppliers across TV, digital platforms, and CRM campaigns.
3. Tipico plans to involve payment providers and media partners, escalating the fight against unlicensed sites.

Tipico Group has unveiled a new certification program for German game manufacturers. The “Trusted Partner” seal recognizes suppliers who commit to serving only licensed operators. This initiative directly targets black market gambling, which often circumvents taxes, overlooks responsible gambling measures, and breaches regulatory requirements.

Through this program, certified manufacturers promise to distribute their games solely to legal platforms. The arrangement aims to clamp down on unregulated outlets that jeopardize consumer safety and skirt government rules. In return, Tipico pledges robust marketing support. That commitment includes high-profile TV spots, digital presence, and CRM campaigns exclusively for “Trusted Partner” participants.

However, Tipico clarified that it will not end all collaborations with non-certified suppliers at this time. A Tipico spokesperson told NEXT.io that the current focus is on marketing visibility. Suppliers who join the initiative receive prominent promotion, which remains a pivotal asset in today’s competitive market. Non-certified partners may continue working with Tipico, but they will lose out on these strategic marketing opportunities.

Several leading manufacturers have already joined. These names include Apparat, Games Global, Greentube, Hölle Games, MERKUR, Play’n GO, SYNOT, and ZEAL. Tipico director of iGaming, Christian Heins, welcomed these early adopters. He stressed that countering illegal platforms is vital for successful channelisation into a legal market. Heins believes this can only happen if all stakeholders cooperate. He also stated that black market sites have harmed consumer trust, disrupted fair competition, and avoided proper taxation.

Tipico envisions broadening this approach. Future plans include certifying payment service providers and media partners who also refuse to support illegal operators. By extending the concept, Tipico seeks to create a unified front against unregulated gambling within Germany. These expansion plans illustrate Tipico’s dedication to a stable, transparent, and accountable market environment.

Concerns over black market activities have escalated across Germany. The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) previously criticized the country’s regulatory setup for falling short on channelisation goals. The official perspective is that black market offerings remain too accessible. They often lure players with lower restrictions, bigger bonuses, and minimal oversight, undermining licensed businesses.

Heins, posting on LinkedIn, expressed alarm about the volume of German players gravitating toward unregulated casinos. He pointed out that players seem to spend more time on these illicit sites than on sanctioned ones. He pegged the black market’s player value at up to 2.5 times that of licensed venues. This disparity suggests a major gap in effective oversight. He also estimated uncollected tax revenue of at least €1.1bn. Those unpaid sums could have otherwise supported public budgets or social programs.

Heins projects that, by 2029, the illegal market will contract. He credits reforms in taxation and product constraints for this potential improvement. He also predicts that ongoing government debt needs might expedite stricter enforcement. Higher scrutiny on tax evasion could make the black market’s environment less tenable. With bold actions after the 2027 review of Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling, licensed sites might secure a 60% share, up from just 25% now.

This scenario illustrates a significant opportunity for Tipico’s certification. The “Trusted Partner” strategy tries to channel future growth into regulated channels. When allied with supportive government policy, the plan could bolster player protection, restore consumer trust, and ensure fair tax contributions.

Tipico’s “Trusted Partner” certification program signals a determined step against illegal gambling in Germany. By uniting licensed operators, responsible suppliers, and strategic marketing, the initiative promises to curb black market reach. Although Tipico continues some ties with non-certified partners, the company’s exclusive marketing benefits could steer more manufacturers toward compliance. Over time, Tipico hopes this endeavor, combined with wider efforts, will boost legitimate gaming, safeguard players, and elevate the standards of Germany’s regulated market.