GGL seeks to beef up measures against illegal gambling

• The GGL uses ICE Barcelona to call for the strengthening of anti-illegal gambling measures
• The regulator insists that regulated companies can do more to help limit the reach of offshore and illegal operators
• Industry observes complain about what they see as overreaching regulation in Germany

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, or GGL for short, has used the occasion of the recently concluded ICE Barcelona 2026 to speak openly against the need for more decisive action against the illegal gambling market.

Held from January 19-21,ICE Barcelona allowed industry stakeholders to meet and exchange know-how, broach important topics, and address outstanding issues, with the GGL drawing the focus on the need for broader industry-wide action.

More collaborative action is needed to address illegal gambling

The GGL has emphasized that there is a need for cross-border cooperation that would involve more stakeholders who are interested in addressing the threat of illegal gambling headlong.

The regulator similarly noted that it had the opportunity to sit down with other regulators from across Europe to learn more about illegal gambling in their respective jurisdictions.

The GGL also presented its own approach to illegal gambling during the Gaming in Germany Breakfast hosted at ICE Barcelona by Department Head Nadja Wierzejewski.

In outlining the issues at the time, the GGL noted: "These measures include prohibitions, payment and IP blocking, measures against advertising for illegal gambling, and consistent action against all actors involved in illegal gambling along the entire value chain."

However, the buck does not stop with the regulator itself. Rather, the GGL wants legal providers to do more to curb illegal gambling. According to the watchdog, a greater diligence in the selection of business partners is one of the key areas in which providers can work.

"A consistent distancing from illegal offerings and even greater diligence in selecting business partners can significantly enhance the effectiveness of government measures," the GGL added.

Ultimately, to achieve a market that successfully limits illegal gambling, stakeholders would need to work together towards that shared goal, with the GGL urging licensed companies to step up their efforts and contribute to this fight.

Good intentions, but a mismatch of what the industry and the regulator say

While the GGL has maintained that it upholds a robust set of measures against illegal gambling, critics in the country have objected.

One of the biggest issues of contention is the exact reach of channelization in the country, with private trade groups arguing that it is nowhere near the rate advertised by the GGL.

Another issue has to do with an industry gripe that the GGL is overregulating to diminishing returns, and that local stakeholders are losing ground to offshore and illegal gambling markets.

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