German regulator successfully uses public whistleblowing to tackle black-market gambling
GGL thanks citizens after public information led to 63 unlicensed operators being shut down since January 2023
Germany’s gambling regulator shut down more than 60 illegal operators in the country since the start of last year thanks to information submitted by the public.
Since January 2023, the GGL has received roughly 1,500 reports on illegal gambling activity on its reporting portal via its whistleblowing initiative, which it hailed as an “important tool” in combating illegal online gambling.
German citizens have been using the regulator’s whistleblower system to report information such as illegal advertising, violation of payout procedures and irregularities with cross-provider deposit limits.
The GGL’s whistleblowing guidelines tell citizens how they can check whether a gambling offer is legal or not, what information and evidence is required for an effective report, and how they can contact the GGL if information is unclear.
The regulator confirmed that about half of the recorded reports involved suspected cases of illegal online gambling, while the other half pertained to possible irregularities when betting with licensed operators.
Much of the illegal activity reported centred around online slot games, online sports betting and commercial gaming agencies, in addition to illegal advertising of each vertical.
Since 2023, the GGL has checked more than 1,860 websites and 438 gaming providers because of these reports.
This triggered 133 prohibition hearings by the regulator and led to 63 unlicensed operators being shut down.
GGL board member Ronald Benter said: “This initiative is an important contribution which raises awareness of the risks of gambling-related harm. We have the common goal of preventing gambling and betting addiction.
“The GGL’s job is to ensure that legal providers adhere to the strict rules on player protection and to combat illegal offers. Information from the public submitted via our whistleblower system plays an important role in this.”
Benter went on to encourage citizens to continue to make use of the whistleblower system.
“Please use our whistleblower system, report violations and provide as much detail and specific information as possible. Your information is an important tool for us in the fight against illegal gambling on the internet and in ensuring player protection,” he added.
Earlier this month, Benter met with the Bavarian State Office for Gambling Addiction as part of the GGL’s wider initiative to increase collaboration between the regulator and state offices when it comes to tackling gambling-related harm.