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In 2024, Germany’s gambling regulator, the GGL, stepped up its efforts to keep the online gambling industry in check. It cracked down on illegal operators, kept a close watch on licensed companies, and rolled out new tools to enforce the country’s gambling laws more effectively.
In 2024, the GGL dealt with over 230 licensing matters, which included 28 new applications and 202 changes to existing licenses. Many of these applications were for high-risk gambling products such as virtual slot machines, sports betting, online poker, and horse racing. The regulator also reviewed more than 1,800 individual virtual slot games.
Licensing Activities and Game Reviews
During major sporting events like UEFA Euro 2024 and the Summer Olympics, the GGL kept a close watch on sports betting. It monitored how operators behaved and advertised their services to make sure players were protected. Only minor issues were found, mostly related to unclear promotional language and confusing bonus offers.
In 2024, Germany’s gambling regulator, the GGL, took stronger action to clean up the online gambling space.
For the first time, the GGL publicly warned licensed operators who broke the rules. This new step aims to increase transparency and prevent future violations. The regulator plans to use public warnings more often to enforce the country’s gambling laws.
Court Backs Use of “Markers of Harm”
A court in Mainz backed the GGL’s right to use players’ behavior data, known as “markers of harm,” to set deposit limits. This decision confirmed the regulator’s power to protect players when certain risks are present.
The GGL also cracked down on unlicensed websites. It checked nearly 1,800 gambling sites and issued 231 bans. As a result, 188 illegal platforms and 284 advertising sites were blocked in Germany. The authority used payment blocks and geo-blocking to stop access. It partnered with 43 payment providers to cut off money flow to 165 illegal sites and used EU rules to block 657 websites.
Offshore betting on German amateur football sparked debate. Though illegal in Germany, such bets may be legal abroad. The GGL called on licensed operators to use geofencing and block VPN access. It also raised concerns about real-time scouts at amateur games, warning of risks to match integrity and calling for better safeguards.
In total, the GGL was involved in 189 court cases, including those on licenses, deposit limits, and revoked approvals. Some cases were sent to the European Court of Justice, which will decide whether players can get their money back from illegal gambling sites. This ruling could impact the whole EU.
Push for Stronger Criminal Enforcement
The GGL also asked lawmakers to update a criminal law (Section 284) so that foreign operators targeting German players could face charges. This could lead to a special prosecutor focused on gambling crimes.
The regulator also reviewed loot boxes in video games, working with experts to see if they count as gambling. Crypto casinos were also on the GGL’s radar, as they use decentralized systems to avoid rules. The authority is exploring ways to regulate these platforms.
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