Most Sports Betting Exchanges in Europe Are Run by Public Entities, in Close Association With the Government

2It is normal to bet on soccer games in Europe, where the 'bet amount' is fed back into the sporting community. This is coupled with subsidies from sporting organizations. Most European betting facilities are run by public entities who have close ties with the government. One well know name is Italy's Totocalcio. It began in 1946, under the patronage of the government-affiliated Olympic Committee. The Spanish soccer system Quineila, is also operated by the state-run lottery organization.  In Germany, the betting exchange in divided up and run by the regional administrations. France's Soccer betting system was established after sports betting was legalized in 1985 and is controlled by a public corporation, funded 75% by the government.