German Gambling Regulator Celebrates Success

Germany’s gambling regulator, the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL), has proudly declared the country’s regulated market a “success story.” Amid industry criticism and black market challenges, GGL board member Ronald Benter outlined the authority’s commitment to building a safe, well-regulated environment for players. Despite criticism from industry trade bodies, which argue for reform and better management of unlicensed operators, the GGL remains resolute in its data-driven, collaborative approach. As Germany’s regulated gambling landscape evolves, stakeholders are watching closely to see how GGL will balance market stability with player protection.

German Regulator Declares Market a “Success Story” Amid Black Market Challenges

At the recent Gaming in Germany conference on November 5, Ronald Benter, board member of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL), shared a positive update on Germany’s gambling market. According to Benter, the GGL’s regulatory efforts since the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling have established a well-regulated market, which he described as a “success story.” Despite various challenges, particularly with the black market, the GGL is committed to building a safe and competitive environment for legal operators while prioritizing player protection.

Key Points from the GGL’s Success

1. A Fair and Competitive Market
   Benter emphasized the GGL’s focus on fostering a fair market for all licensed operators. Through a structured approach to licensing and supervision, the GGL aims to create a level playing field. By ensuring that licensed operators comply with strict guidelines, the GGL works to protect players and maintain healthy market competition. According to Benter, this “stable, secure market for all players” is foundational to the GGL’s mission under the 2021 State Treaty.
2. Data-Driven Evaluation of Regulations
   The GGL has announced plans for a two-year evaluation of the 2021 State Treaty’s effectiveness. Benter highlighted that this review would be data-driven, focusing on assessing the impact of player protection measures and gambling advertising practices. This approach will enable the GGL to make informed decisions, refining regulatory practices based on concrete insights. Benter stated that the GGL is committed to adapting its strategy to ensure Germany’s gambling market remains safe and fair for all participants.
3. Addressing Black Market Concerns
   The black market remains a significant challenge for Germany’s regulated gambling environment. Recent reports, including a documentary by Bayerischer Rundfunk, have highlighted how German consumers continue to access foreign betting sites that bypass GGL’s control. In response, Benter stated that the GGL is taking steps to address the black market more effectively. He noted that the GGL is scientifically evaluating methods to measure the black market size as part of an ongoing channelisation study. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, the GGL aims to tackle these challenges while maintaining transparency and open dialogue.

Despite these efforts, industry groups have raised concerns. In 2024, trade bodies argued that the GGL underestimated the scope of the black market and ignored the need for reform. However, the GGL’s stance, supported by the DSWV (Germany’s sports betting trade association), is that legal operators in the EU already follow rigorous safeguards, including geolocation and identity checks, to prevent cross-border betting on restricted sports, such as amateur soccer. The GGL believes that unlicensed, black-market operators remain the primary issue affecting the integrity of the German gambling market.

Benter’s Vision for the Future
In his speech, Benter reiterated the GGL’s dedication to keeping open communication with all stakeholders and adapting its regulatory approach as necessary. He acknowledged the industry’s concerns and invited operators to engage in dialogue actively. “Our approach is still to remain in dialogue in order to overcome the challenges of regulation together,” he stated, emphasizing the GGL’s commitment to collaborative solutions.

Germany’s GGL has made strides in building a regulated gambling market that promotes fair competition and player protection, despite ongoing criticism. Through data-driven evaluations and active industry engagement, the GGL aims to balance regulation with market growth, even as it addresses black market challenges. The authority’s commitment to transparent, collaborative solutions signals that while challenges remain, the GGL is determined to strengthen the regulated market. As the two-year evaluation unfolds, Germany’s gambling industry will closely watch to see how the GGL navigates the complexities of balancing regulation with a vibrant, competitive market.