Germany's federal gambling authority Gluecksspiel Behoerde (GGL) is calling for expanded direct powers to fight illegal gambling. Co-President Ronald Benter said the current Interstate Gambling Regime (GlüStV 2021) does not give the regulator sufficient tools to act quickly against unlicensed operators.
Benter said many provisions in the treaty are too detailed and change only through lengthy negotiations with Germany's 16 federal states. Even when GGL and the states agree on the need for changes, revising the legislation takes several years. "The illegal market is very dynamic. Therefore, as a regulator, we must act faster," Benter said. He proposed giving GGL's Administrative Council direct control over the regulator's operations with a shortened approval process.
Benter also urged German prosecutors to bring more cases against individuals abroad suspected of serving German players without a licence. "So far, this is practically not done, but it could increase the deterrent effect," he said.
The statement followed a major operation in Frankfurt, where over 100 police officers searched 11 sites as part of an investigation into an illegal online casino network. Five suspects are accused of running platforms without a licence since July 2021. Prosecutors said the platforms processed around €5.86 billion in bets from July 2021 through the end of 2023. Tax losses for 2024 alone are estimated at €77.6 million. Authorities seized €82 million in assets, confiscated several expensive cars and froze bank accounts. GGL confirmed it is passing data to prosecutors obtained through payment blocks, network restrictions and technical audits of operators.
