The German Gambling Regulator has released its year-end results, highlighting that despite notable improvements in enforcement and cooperation with international authorities, illegal gambling remains a persistent issue.
In its annual report, the GGL reflected upon on its activities throughout the year, including the multiple challenges that remain to be addressed. The review touches on critical issues such as bans, fines, geolocation blocks, and the ongoing battle with illegal gambling operators.
The regulator’s ability to tackle the persistently rising illegal market effectively will be pivotal in shaping Germany’s gambling landscape in the coming year.
One of the GGL’s most significant achievements in 2024 has been its robust enforcement of gambling regulations. The regulator has worked to ensure that the laws outlined in Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling 2021 are strictly followed. This includes collaborating with tech giants, such as Google and Facebook, to ensure removal of advertising for illegal gambling and that websites without licences are blocked.
The GGL has also imposed significant bans and fines on illegal operators throughout the year. The regulator has blocked numerous illegal gambling sites as part of its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
In addition, fines have been levied against both operators and individuals for failing to comply with Germany’s gambling laws. Geolocation blocks have played a critical role in restricting access to these sites.
Player protection remained a priority for the GGL, ensuring that the players are informed and shielded from the potential harms of gambling. In addition, targeting advertising was another key area of focus. The regulator worked to ensure that ads are not misleading or targeting vulnerable individuals.
However, despite the progress, the issue of illegal gambling operators continues to plague Germany. It is noted that a significant portion of the gambling market remains in the hands of illegal operators, undermining the regulator’s efforts to channel players into the legal market. Such continued persistence of the illegal market plagues the regulator’s efforts to ensure that gambling in Germany is fully regulated.
The regulator is committed to addressing the concern of players venturing into the illegal market in the coming year, with a focus on tightening enforcement and improving data on player behaviour.
As part of its efforts to tackle the growing influence of illegal gambling, the GGL plans to deepen its international cooperation in the coming year, actively seeking partnerships with foreign authorities. This will ensure better information sharing and a more coordinated global effort against illegal gambling.
The regulator has commissioned studies to better understand player behaviour, advertising impact, and the effectiveness of geolocation blocking. Better data collection will help the GGL improve its regulatory framework and make better-informed decisions in the future.
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