The Joint Gambling Authority of the States has released its 2024 Activity Report, boasting significant progress with regulation of the German gambling market and enforcing legal standards. While the authority highlights effective implementation of its measures, it acknowledges that the fight against illegal gambling remains a complex battle.

Throughout 2024, GGL intensified its efforts to regulate the market in line with the 2021 Gambling State Treaty. The authority reported that its interventions, including server blockings and administrative enforcement actions, have started yielding positive results. Representatives noted that many unauthorised operators have either exited the market or scaled back their activities due to legal pressure and technical restrictions. Also, GGL anticipates that its approach will be further validated with the  court decisions expected in 2025. 

Promoting Regulation with Safe Servers

A major focus of the authority moving forward is the development and application of safe servers. These servers will enhance the monitoring of licensed gambling activities and provide real-time oversight of legal operators. The authority believes this advancement will be a cornerstone in ensuring that licensed providers comply fully with the rules set forth in the State Treaty. The GGL plans to work closely with technical partners to expand the server infrastructure in 2025. With greater server integration, the authority can track gambling activity more effectively and respond to potential violations, strengthening its regulatory grip.

Advertising Monitoring and Treaty Evaluation

Furthermore, GGL will continue monitoring gambling advertisements, ensuring operators comply with the country’s strict laws. This includes examining how it is marketed across television, social media, and other digital platforms. The authority sees advertising oversight as an essential component of consumer protection. 

In addition, GGL actively supports the present evaluation of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling. By contributing data, insights, and policy recommendations, they aim to influence future amendments and improve the treaty’s effectiveness in regulating online and land-based gambling.

Tightening the Net on Illegal Providers

GGL’s strategy against illegal gambling goes beyond direct action against unlicensed operators. Its approach involves targeting supporting actors, such as technical service providers, affiliate marketers, and advertisers. The authority is deepening cooperation with national and international law enforcement agencies to dismantle the ecosystem enabling illegal participation. 

Benter reiterated that success will not come overnight. “Combating illegal offerings remains a long-term process that requires strategic action, decisive measures, and close interagency cooperation,” he said. The full 2024 Activity Report is available under the Publications section on the official GGL website.