The German gambling regulator, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), is stepping up its campaign against illegal gambling. At the DAW conference in Berlin, held on March 13, the head of the department, Ronald Benter, took the initiative to introduce new tools - in particular, a standard for blocking IP addresses of advertisers promoting unlicensed operators.
Against illegal advertising – via IP
According to Benter, in order to effectively combat shady schemes in online gambling, it is necessary to implement tougher measures:
"It would be extremely useful to introduce a new IP blocking standard for advertisers working with illegal operators as soon as possible."
Thus, GGL is aimed not only at operators, but also at those who help them attract players — first of all, we are talking about advertising networks, comparison portals, and affiliate sites.
Amendments to the Criminal Code
Also, the head of the GGL proposed not to abolish, but on the contrary - to expand the effect of Article 284 of the German Criminal Code. This article already criminalizes participation in illegal gambling, but Benter calls for it to be extended to foreign companies without a German license. This will allow, according to him, to open a specialized prosecutor's office in Saxony-Anhalt, which will deal exclusively with the fight against illegal gambling platforms.
Pressure on large advertisers
Benter noted that regardless of the size of the company, GGL will seek to comply with the law. Already in September 2024, the agency managed to limit the display of ads on Google - now in Germany, the search engine can only show ads from licensed operators.
However, the problem has not disappeared: according to the head of the regulator, comparison portals and affiliates have begun to use more sophisticated methods of disguise: they hide links, substitute information, and work through redirects.
To help with this, GGL commissioned a new study on the effectiveness of gambling advertising: its goal is to determine how the current rules affect the behavior of players and whether they attract vulnerable categories of users.
General rules for everyone
At the end of his speech, Benter stressed the need for uniform standards and equal conditions for all:
"We respond to any unauthorized advertising. This means that all permitted operators are obliged to act according to the same rules – without exceptions."
GGL insists that the fight against illegal gambling is a long-term task that requires a comprehensive approach, international cooperation, clear laws and powerful enforcement tools.