Germanys fresh federal gaming authority, the Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), commenced operations today. It’s assuming control from the Saxony-Anhalt state administrative office and will be in charge of combating illicit gambling in Germany.
The GGL was established by the Fourth Interstate Gambling Agreement, which took effect last year. They’re going to begin implementing their strategy to fight unlawful gambling, which involves blocking websites and payments. They’ll provide more specifics on how this will operate next week.
Ronald Benter, a member of the GGL board, stated they’re confident in their ability to halt illegal gambling. They have the appropriate systems in place and can learn from the previous team. He also expressed gratitude to Saxony-Anhalt for their assistance in establishing the GGL.
The newly established GGL, staffed by personnel from Saxony-Anhalt and fresh recruits, will have a workforce of approximately 110 by the beginning of 2023. At this point, the agency will assume full authority over the regulation of all gambling activities in Germany.
Nadja Wierzejewski, a seasoned administrator with expertise in combating illicit gambling and related promotions, will lead the agency.
Benjamin Schwanke, a member of the agency’s board, stated: “For the first time, enforcement tools, such as blocking payments to unlawful gambling services online, will be utilized from a centralized source. This will enable us to take more decisive action against providers.
“By combining resources, we can identify and counter negative trends and illegal gaming activities more swiftly in the future.”
The Fourth State Treaty on Gambling permits nationwide online casino games for the first time, but establishes stringent regulations to safeguard players. These measures include a €1 per spin wagering limit on online slot machines.
Earlier this week, the Saxony-Anhalt agency disclosed that it had granted nine additional licenses for virtual slot machines and poker games across Germany, in addition to the three previously issued.
The Saxony-Anhalt agency also revealed that it has referred 25 online operators to the public prosecutor’s office since the treaty’s implementation for violating German law.
The department has taken action as part of a broader campaign to suppress illegal online gambling operators.
Officials took strict action against unlawful wagering, examining 148 instances and scrutinizing 871 online platforms. They also assessed 90 instances of illicit gambling advertisements.
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