German regulator warns of illegal gambling threat ahead of Euro 2024
GGL urges the government to reconsider deleting what it considers a vital aspect of gambling legislation in the country
The German gambling regulator has warned bettors of the risks that come with illegal sports wagering ahead of Euro 2024.
The update by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) came a day before the tournament kicks off in Germany, where a significant spike in sports betting is to be expected.
It explained that illegal operators do not adhere to legally prescribed measures put in place to both reduce the risk of gambling addiction and to safeguard minors.
Therefore, those participating in illegal gambling also run the risk of gambling addiction as well as committing a criminal offence.
Germany’s state treaty on gambling makes clear that online operators offering sports betting must have state permission.
Ronald Benter, CEO of the GGL, said: “We ensure that legal sports betting providers comply with the legal requirements for the protection of players. It is therefore important to find out about the options for legal gambling before taking part in a game.
“At the same time, together with other institutions, we are also fighting illegal gambling offers and advertising in order to ensure the prevention of gambling addiction and the protection of players and young people.”
The GGL also called for the country’s criminal code to be amended so that unlicensed gambling companies operating in Germany can be prosecuted for a criminal offence.
Its website lists each operator that is already in possession of a licence, while it is often signposted on the homepage of a legal online operator in the country.
Benter made clear that the organisation is against the proposed deletion of section 284 ff. from Germany’s criminal code.
The rule is in place so that the regulator can file criminal charges with the public prosecutor’s office if illegal gambling is suspected.
Benter argued that deleting section 284 ff. in its current form poses a threat to the GGL’s hopes of tackling illegal gambling, adding that it should be extended to cover those operating illegally abroad and offering services in Germany.
“We would like the Federal Ministry of Justice to reconsider the planned deletion of the criminal offence of illegal gambling and instead demand the necessary extension of the paragraph to illegal gambling providers based abroad,” he said.
Buckhard Blienert, the federal drug commissioner, shared his sentiment, adding: “Anyone who offers illegal gambling from abroad in Germany must, of course, also expect criminal consequences in Germany.
“These foreign betting providers also make their profits at the expense of players here.”
From a player’s perspective, there are measures in place in Germany to ensure responsible gambling, such as the OASIS Player Blocking system. It is maintained by the Darmstadt Regional Council and allows bettors to exclude themselves for a limited period of time or indefinitely.
Elsewhere, the GGL issued an update on the study it commissioned in December 2023, into the impact of gambling advertising online and on television.
The regulator compiled an expert panel that will examine the impact of advertising and sponsorship as well as “advertising reporting” on all recipients, particularly vulnerable groups of people.
It will assess how impactful gambling advertising provisions, first set out in 2021, have been and whether any amendments can be made to improve how adverts attract bettors without having a negative effect on vulnerable groups.