Illegal gambling - Gambling authority files more than 100 criminal charges
The Joint Gambling Regulatory Authority of the States (GGL) filed over 100 criminal complaints against gambling providers last year. The crackdown on illegal gambling showed results, according to Authority Chairman Ronald Benter. Many offers were brought into a legal framework. Violations were mostly recorded in the area of unlawful advertising or the offering of illegal games. The Authority, based in Halle (Saale), officially began operations at the beginning of 2023 and has since then controlled and regulated the market across state lines.
At the end of the year, there were 143 organizers listed at the Gambling Authority who were permitted to offer legal gambling on the internet. For the first time, a license was revoked and a fine was imposed on a provider. In addition, the Authority introduced a new seal, which providers can use to indicate that they comply with state regulations.
The market for legal gambling, both on the internet as well as through lotteries and casinos, grew accordingly. The gross player revenues amounted to approximately 13.7 billion Euro, according to Authority Chairman Benter, which corresponds to the losses of the players. A year ago, Germans spent 13.4 billion Euro. The share of online gambling in the total gambling market increased by three percentage points to 22 percent. Here, sports betting made a significant contribution. With regard to the Football European Championship in Germany, the Authority is part of a team monitoring potential manipulations. So far, there have been no reports of manipulations.
Activities Report Gambling Authority
- The majority of the criminal complaints filed by the GGL last year were related to unlawful advertising or the offering of illegal games of chance, primarily occurring in Saxony-Anhalt and Germany.
- Despite the crackdown, SAALE-based GGL allowed 143 organizers to offer legal gambling online at the end of the year, imposing a fine on a provider who violated regulations.
- In response to ongoing concerns about gaming, the GGL introduced a new seal for providers to display, signifying their adherence to state gambling regulations.
- Amidst growing concerns about potential crime and criminal complaints related to gambling, the GGL continues to monitor the market closely, especially during major events like the Football European Championship, but has yet to report any signs of manipulations.
