Germany's Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL) has expanded its cooperation with federal public health officials as part of a broader effort to strengthen gambling addiction prevention and combat illegal gambling activity.
The regulator confirmed the latest development following a meeting on 5 December between GGL Board Member Ronald Benter and Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Government's Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction.
According to the GGL, evidence-based decision-making remains central to effective regulation, with Benter emphasising that the core mechanisms of the 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty continue to provide a stable regulatory foundation.
Targeted adjustments, he said, should be guided by research, counselling data and observed market behaviour.
Player protection remains a core component of the GGL's mandate. The authority highlighted three priority areas: informing players about risks and protective tools, curbing illegal operators and monitoring licensed providers to ensure adherence to strict player protection rules.
Benter noted that maintaining a balance between safeguarding players and keeping the legal market attractive is essential to prevent users from turning to unlicensed offerings.
Discussions with Prof. Streeck also covered potential reforms to the German Criminal Code to expand enforcement options against offshore operators targeting German players.
Both sides agreed that preventing gambling-related harm requires coordinated action, with Benter stating: "Regulation needs partners. The GGL sees itself as an interface between politics, authorities, research and prevention institutions. The challenges in the area of gambling addiction can only be overcome together."
The meeting follows the GGL's recent expression of support for a European multi-regulator initiative aimed at tightening cross-border enforcement against illegal online gambling.
The regulator has also issued several consumer warnings in recent months, including advisories on social betting activities deemed illegal under German law.
German players can check the GGL's continuously updated whitelist to verify which operators hold valid licences
