The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL) used the industry event as a platform to outline its intensified approach to combating illegal offerings, which the regulator estimates account for approximately 25% of Germany’s online gambling activity in 2024.
Multi-Pronged Enforcement Strategy
Nadja Wierzejewski, Department Head at the GGL, hosted a “Gaming in Germany Breakfast” session during the January 19-21 event, where she detailed the authority’s coordinated package of enforcement measures. The strategy includes prohibition orders, payment blocking, IP blocking, and actions against advertising for illegal gambling operations.
The regulatory approach represents a significant escalation in Germany’s efforts to protect its licensed market, where participation in illegal gambling constitutes a criminal offense under German law.
Licensed Operators Enlisted in Enforcement
The GGL specifically called on licensed operators to leverage their market knowledge and industry influence in the enforcement campaign. Wierzejewski emphasized the shared interest between the regulator and legal operators in combating illegal offerings.
“The GGL and legal licensed operators are in it together, and by joining forces to fight against illegal gambling operators, they are helping to ensure the fostering of a stable, safe, sustainable gambling market in Germany,” Wierzejewski stated.
Scale of Illegal Market
The GGL’s 2024 activity report estimates the illegal online market at 25% of total German gambling activity, representing roughly one quarter of German players engaging with unregulated sites. Independent studies have suggested the black market share may be considerably larger than the official estimate.
ICE Barcelona, held at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, attracted over 65,000 attendees from more than 180 countries and featured 600 exhibitors, making it the premier B2B networking event for the global gaming industry.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder regulates Germany’s gaming market under the country’s Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which established the current licensing framework for online casino and sports betting operations.
Source: Casino.org
