Lottoland to challenge German lottery monopoly

Lottoland is bidding to become the first private firm to operate a major lottery in Germany.

The company, which has previously specialised in games that allow players to bet on some of the world’s biggest lotteries without having to purchase a ticket, has filed an application to have its own lottery in a number of German federal states.

Lottoland said its gameplay principle resembles that of classic German lottery game ‘Lotto 6aus49’, as well as European multi-state lottery ‘Euro Jackpot’.

Dr. Rolf Stypmann, a spokesman for Lottoland, said: “With more than five million customers, we understand what lottery players worldwide are looking for; now we want to extend our offering even further and set up our own lottery in Germany.

“If we were to receive permission from a federal state authority, Lottoland would be the first private lottery company offering a ‘major lottery’, a lottery with high jackpots, in Germany.

“Lottoland would set up the game plan, have the draw handled by a neutral authority under public supervision, and would allow the jackpot pool to be distributed according to a pre-set game plan. Customers would be able to collect their lottery ticket at selected collection points and lottery terminals, as well via internet.”

Lottoland said that the German State Lottery Association generates approximately €7.3 billion ($7.8 billion) in revenue each year, with around 40% going directly to the finance ministers of each federal state, while the assignment of money is independently decided upon by the states.

In comparison, public sports betting supplier Oddset was only able to generate a total revenue of €186 million.

Stypmann added: “These figures demonstrate why the federal states have an interest in maintaining the public lottery monopoly and refuse any kind of progress.

“For them, too much money is at stake, especially in comparison to sport bets.

“In February, the German State Lottery Association called on private sport bets suppliers to agree on mutual standards for a strictly-controlled opening of the sport betting market.

“No comparable measures have been taken concerning the lottery sector which is less at risk of manipulation and less dangerous.

“We see this is as absurd.”

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