Germany’s gambling regulator is taking action against offshore-based gambling streamers who are promoting unlicensed platforms to individuals in the country. The regulator, known as the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has requested more power from the government to address this issue, and the Higher Administrative Court has approved this request.
The court ruled that the GGL has the authority to intervene in these cases, as the content is in German and targets individuals in German-speaking regions, particularly in Germany. The GGL is concerned about the impact of this content on underage individuals, as it often normalizes excessive gambling behavior and spending. Ronald Benter, a board member of the GGL, stated that the regulator will be taking stricter actions against offshore-based streamers in the future.
Illegal gambling platforms are a significant problem in Germany, with the gaming trade association, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV), reporting that the black market is larger than the estimated €600 million by the federal regulator. A study from the University of Leipzig found that approximately half of all gamblers in Germany use unregulated platforms.
The GGL does not plan to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the sector until at least 2026. This delay raises concerns about the continued prevalence of illegal gambling activities and the potential harm it can cause to individuals in Germany.
Overall, the German gambling regulator is taking steps to address the issue of offshore-based gambling streamers promoting unlicensed platforms to individuals in the country. The approval from the Higher Administrative Court gives the GGL the authority to intervene in cases where German-speaking individuals are targeted with gambling content. The regulator is particularly concerned about the impact of this content on underage individuals and the normalization of excessive gambling behavior.
The prevalence of illegal gambling platforms in Germany is a significant concern, with the black market being larger than previously estimated. The University of Leipzig study highlighting the widespread use of unregulated platforms among German gamblers underscores the need for stronger regulatory measures.
Despite the delay in conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the sector until 2026, the GGL’s commitment to taking tougher action against offshore-based streamers is a step in the right direction. It is essential for the regulator to continue monitoring and addressing illegal gambling activities to protect individuals in Germany from potential harm.