The German gaming regulator Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, known as the GGL, has issued a fresh warning to people in Germany about taking part in the popular Spanish Christmas lottery El Gordo through online platforms. 

The reminder comes as seasonal advertising increases in November and December, a time when many people around the world become interested in the famous holiday draw. The regulator says many of the online offers seen in Germany do not actually sell official El Gordo tickets.

Online Offers Do Not Provide Access to the Real Spanish Lottery

According to the GGL, many of these websites make it look like people can join the real Spanish state lottery. In truth, users are only betting on the results through private companies. These companies run what are called secondary lotteries, where players do not buy real El Gordo tickets but only bet on which numbers might win.

Secondary lotteries are banned under the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021, known as GlüStV 2021. They cannot get a licence in Germany. Even so, the GGL says several well known websites still advertise these services without approval. None of them are listed on the GGL’s official whitelist of legal operators.

Participation Comes With Legal and Financial Risks

The GGL warns that using these unlicensed services can lead to serious risks. Since the companies are not regulated, players may not receive their winnings even if the numbers they chose are successful. There are also concerns about data protection, because unregulated operators may misuse or sell customers’ personal information. These risks make it unsafe for German residents to take part in El Gordo through these online channels.

To help the public understand the issue, the GGL has released an FAQ on its website. This document explains how El Gordo works, why participation from Germany is illegal and what consequences users may face. It also clarifies that the Spanish lottery itself is legal, but Germans can only buy tickets in person while they are physically in Spain and only through authorised sellers.

Regulator Plans Continued Action Against Illegal Offers

The GGL says it will continue enforcing the law by taking action against illegal gambling offers and the advertisements that promote them. The regulator encourages consumers to always check the official whitelist before using any online lottery or betting service. It also advises players to choose local operators that are fully licensed and supervised in Germany.

The warning aims to protect consumers during a time when many are drawn to the excitement of the Christmas season and the hope of winning large prizes. The message from the GGL is clear. German residents must avoid online El Gordo offers that are not official, as they are illegal and potentially unsafe.