German gambling regulator issues fines for breaching advertising

The Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany‘s gambling regulator has levied its first-ever five-figure fine against an unnamed gambling operator for breaching its advertising rules. The amount is yet to be specified and is the regulator’s most severe fine till date.

The GGL, at the beginning of March this year, issued the operator a notice of offense for intentionally displaying their product offerings on a site that also advertises illegal gambling offers. Advertising on unapproved sites while having a permit with the GGL is in direct contravention of the State Treaty on Gambling.

The State Treaty on Gambling came into effect on July 2021 and was what established the GGL. The treaty also contained rules and regulations for operations, including the authority for the GGL to oversee gambling regulation in the country which used to be regulated on a state-by-state basis.

Meanwhile, the GGL stated in a press release that it is particular about where its licensed operators advertise so as to protect players and help them differentiate between legal and illegal gambling offers.

Commenting on the decision, CEO Ronald Benter said: “ We consider these advertising regulations to be very good and justified. GGL consistently monitors offers from legal providers. In the event of violations, we levy heavy fines. The withdrawal of the license in the event of repeated violations of the provisions of the State Treaty on Gaming is a measure that we do not shy away from”

Adding to what Benter said, Benjamin Schwanke, a board member of the GGL, said that legal gambling operators should not in any way associate with illegal websites. In his words: “ The legal online gambling providers cannot have any interest in advertising on sites that also advertise illegal gambling. This damages the reputation of the providers”.

Players who are interested in playing only with licensed operators can visit the GGL’s website to see the white list containing the gambling providers who have a permit from the state.

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