Gaming in Germany Newsletter – Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder now responsible for enforcement

Gaming in Germany Logo

Gaming in Germany online event | Market & regulatory update – August 24, 15:00 CET

On July 1, 2022, the GGL, Germany's new national regulator, became responsible for combating illegal gambling offers and associated advertising.

But what else is new?

Tune in for a brand new Gaming in Germany update online event with Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Head of the Gaming & Betting Law Practice Group at Melcher Law.

The online event will also feature a contribution from IDnow GmbH, a supplier of KYC solutions, on customer registration and ID verification obligations.

Other speakers TBA

Don't miss it! Register today: https://bit.ly/3uFHe6n

New speakers announced for 2022 Gaming in Germany Conference & Expo

Join us on September 19-20 at the Ritz-Carlton Berlin to discuss business strategy, responsible gaming, and sustainable marketing.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Ronald Benter, Co-Chair, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder
  • Benjamin Schwanke, Co-Chair, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder
  • René Jansen, Chair, Netherlands Gambling Authority & Chair, Gaming Regulators European Forum
  • Nadja Wierzejewski, Department Head Enforcement, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder
  • Dr. Dirk Quermann, President, Deutscher Online Casinoverband
  • Mathias Dahms, President, Deutscher Sportwettenverband
  • Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner, Melchers Law Firm; Past President IMGL
  • Marc Ellinger, President IMGL
  • Dr. Tilman Becker, Director, TC Becker Consult
  • Birgitte Sand, CEO Birgitte Sand & Associates; former Director Spillemyndigheden
  • And many more!

Join us in Berlin to find out what the regulator and major operators are doing!

Check out our conference website for updates, or register today: https://bit.ly/3yWbvQS

Receive a FREE copy of our Gaming in Germany Magazine

Would you like to hear directly from Germany's new national gambling regulator? Are you interested in learning more about Germany's regulated market, including a regulatory and tax update?

If so, sign up now to receive the latest issue of our FREE Gaming in Germany Magazine.

The upcoming issue will feature:

  • Germany regulatory & tax update
  • An interview with GGL co-chairs Ronald Benter & Benjamin Schwanke
  • An interview with former Danish & Italian regulators Birgitte Sand and Francesco Rodano on the challenges of regulating a new market
  • And much more!

Get your copy here: https://signup.gamingin.eu/

Germany issues two new virtual slots licenses

Tipwin and Mybet have become the second and third nationwide online slots licensees in Germany. The pair join Gauselmann-owned Mernov on the white list to offer online slots.

Licenses are currently issued by the Glücksspielkollegium, a body representing Germany's 16 federal states. Although Germany's new State Gambling Treaty entered into force on July 1, 2021, only three virtual slots licenses have been granted in the past year – none so far for either casino (table) games or poker.

In the past year, a total of 71 virtual slots or poker license applications were submitted. In addition to the three already issued licenses, nine other applicants have been approved and are now awaiting the issuing of a license.

Germany's new national regulator, GGL will become responsible for licensing from January 1, 2023, onward.

However, the new national regulator has begun blocking IP addresses and payments for unlicensed websites from July 1.

Kindred withdraws from German market

Kindred brand Unibet has exited the German market. The operator blamed onerous regulatory restrictions and the slow licensing process for its decision.

A Kindred spokesperson said that the current application processes, and the terms and restrictions for product offerings, meant the regulated market was not competitive enough to withstand offshore competition.

Darmstadt Administrative Court suspends requirement to pre-approve bets

The Darmstadt Administrative Court has issued an interim ruling that suspends the need for licensed sports betting operators to receive pre-approval for the bets they offer.

The claimants argued that this requirement would eliminate up to 70% of their betting offer. The Darmstadt Court agreed that this new requirement imposes an undue burden on licensed operators and suspended the obligation while proceedings are ongoing.

Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder now responsible for enforcement

Starting July 1, 2022, Germany's new national gambling regulator, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has taken over the responsibility for enforcing the country's ban on unlicensed online gambling and associated advertising.

The German regulator also announced the appointment of Nadja Wierzejewski to head the department responsible for combating illegal gambling offers. Ms. Wierzejewski will also be one of the speakers at the upcoming Gaming in Germany Conference on September 19-20 in Berlin.

In a follow-up press release, the GGL listed four steps it could take against illegal gambling activities:

  • IP blocking
  • Payment blocking
  • Criminal referrals
  • Referrals to the German tax authorities

The GGL furthermore announced that lottery broker Lottoland, which “has been offering illegal gambling for years,” would be the first target of its IP blocking strategy.

In response, Lottoland announced that it would pursue “all legal means,” including liability claims up to hundreds of millions of euros against the GGL's decision.

Lottoland CEO Nigel Birrell also accused the German regulator of trying to protect the German state lottery monopolies.