The German Gambling Regulator (GGL) has released its end-of-year results, highlighting significant achievements over the past year. The GGL has made substantial progress in key areas such as implementing bans, blocking operations, issuing fines, enforcing geolocation blocks, and collaborating with major tech companies to ensure strict adherence to Germany’s gambling laws.
In its year-end address, the GGL also acknowledged the numerous challenges that remain and the ongoing work needed to address them. One key focus for the GGL will be developing better international trends, as many regulators aim to enhance their understanding of illegal operators and are open to cooperating with foreign counterparts on this issue.
The regulator also recognizes that some challenges require an internal review. Despite the regulated market’s status, a significant portion of the channelization is still dominated by illegal operators. While the GGL has not explicitly addressed its harshest critics, it has noted that the black market remains a priority for improvement in the coming year.
To better understand and address the issue, the GGL has commissioned a new study to gather more concrete data on the actual channelization rates in the country. The study aims to determine if the current rates are falling short of expectations and, if so, to identify the underlying causes.
Commenting on the current results and the ongoing discussions surrounding Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling 2021, GGL board member Ronald Benter emphasized the regulator’s commitment to improving the existing regulatory framework. A translated statement read:
“We are committed to a fact-based discussion and have already commissioned studies on player protection, advertising, and channeling, the results of which will be incorporated into the evaluation process.”
Germany continues to be one of Europe’s most contentious markets, with the GGL exercising strict oversight. Industry stakeholders have raised multiple concerns, arguing that the regulator has been underreporting the size of the issue. The GGL, however, is determined to ensure that the data presented to the public is accurate and informs future decision-making processes.
