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Germany's GGL cracks down on illegal betting with stricter enforcement plans

From payment bans to ad crackdowns, Germany's gambling watchdog escalates its fight against unlicensed operators. But will tougher rules backfire by pushing players offshore?

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1 min read
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a...
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a board with text and pictures of fruits, suggesting that he is playing online casino games.

Germany's GGL cracks down on illegal betting with stricter enforcement plans

Germany's gambling regulator, the GGL, has pushed for stronger action against illegal betting. At a recent industry event in Barcelona, officials outlined new measures to tackle unlicensed operators. The call comes as debates grow over the effectiveness of current regulations.

The GGL presented its strategy at the Gaming in Germany Breakfast during ICE Barcelona. Key steps include stricter prohibitions, blocking payments to illegal sites, and targeting unauthorised advertising. Authorities also stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation and wider industry involvement.

Since the last major regulatory review in 2023, the GGL reports progress in steering players toward legal platforms. By 2025, around 55-60% of gamblers now use licensed providers, up from previous years. Legal operators hold roughly 65% of the market, compared to 35% for illegal sites. A 2025 study by the Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) found a 20% drop in illegal gambling revenue since 2021.

However, critics question the GGL's figures, arguing that the true channelisation rate remains lower. Some industry voices claim excessive regulation is driving players toward offshore and unlicensed markets. The GGL has responded by urging licensed companies to vet business partners more carefully to prevent illegal gambling ties.

The GGL's latest moves aim to tighten controls on illegal gambling while improving market oversight. With legal providers now dominating two-thirds of the sector, regulators hope stricter enforcement will further reduce unlicensed activity. The debate over regulation's impact on player behaviour is likely to continue.

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