German regulator: Black market remains a “serious” challenge
GGL board member Ronald Benter points to successful attempts to push back against illegal sector in 2024, although concedes further battles lie ahead
Germany’s gambling regulator, the GGL, has said it will focus on developing stronger ties internationally and digitising its work in 2025 following a series of “groundbreaking decisions” in 2024.
Reflecting on its milestones this year, the GGL pointed to the many ways it has combated illegal operators.
The regulator highlighted payment blocking, bans, fines, geolocation blocks and working with Google to ensure it revised its advertising guidelines for operators as key drivers for pushing back against the black market.
Other milestones in 2024 included acting quickly surrounding public debates, such as the discussion around the planned reform of the criminal code and talks on amateur sports betting.
On the topic of amateur sports betting, the GGL highlighted the August publication of its FAQs on amateur matches as well as the success it has had after asking operators to make sure offers are not available if a player uses a VPN.
The GGL noted it expanded its supervisory tools to deter operators from “committing similar violations” after there were public warnings in October.
The German regulator admitted that there were still ongoing challenges when it came to combatting the black market.
The GGL confirmed it was having its methods tested as part of a scientific study to allow for a “reliable data basis” when it comes to discussing the channelling effect on German gambling regulation.
The results of the study is expected to be published in 2025.
Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling 2021 was evaluated this year, with the GGL saying the expansion of supervisory powers when it comes to international players and the ability to IP block were identified as urgent needs of action.
On the treaty, Benter explained: “We are committed to a fact-based discussion and have already commissioned studies on player protection, advertising and channelling, the results of which will be incorporated into the evaluation process.”
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Benter added: “2024 presented us with a variety of challenges, but we were able to show that we have the structures and expertise to actively shape them.”
Looking ahead, the board member said the regulator is planning to strengthen its international network as well as continuing to digitise its work processes.
Benter concluded: “The regulation of the gambling market remains an area of tension between channelling the demand for online gambling into a legally compliant and less dangerous market from an addiction prevention perspective and, at the same time, preventing gambling addiction and protecting young people and players.
“We will do everything in our power to continue consistently down this path in 2025.”