GGL Amplifies Call for Unified Action Against Illegal Gambling Following ICE Barcelona

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany's federal gambling authority, has issued a robust call for heightened action against the pervasive illegal gambling market. The regulator utilized the high-profile ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibition, held from January 19-21, as a platform to articulate the urgent need for a more concerted, multi-stakeholder approach.

During the industry gathering, which brought together key players for knowledge exchange and critical discourse, the GGL underscored the imperative for expanded cross-border cooperation. This collaborative framework, according to the regulator, is essential to effectively confront the significant threat posed by unlicensed operators. Representatives from the GGL also engaged with their European counterparts, exchanging insights and strategies on managing illegal gambling within their respective jurisdictions.

Highlighting its own robust methodology, the GGL presented its strategic framework during the 'Gaming in Germany Breakfast,' an event hosted at ICE Barcelona. Nadja Wierzejewski, a Department Head at the GGL, detailed the comprehensive measures currently employed to tackle illicit activities. These include stringent prohibitions, proactive payment and IP blocking, targeted efforts against illegal gambling advertising, and consistent enforcement actions against all entities involved across the entire value chain of the black market.

Beyond governmental intervention, the GGL emphasized that licensed providers have a critical role to play. The authority urged legal operators to exercise greater diligence in selecting business partners, stressing that a deliberate distancing from unauthorized offerings can significantly amplify the efficacy of official regulatory measures. This proactive stance from licensed entities is deemed crucial for fostering a market environment that successfully marginalizes illegal gambling operations.

However, the GGL's advocacy arrives amidst domestic criticism. Industry stakeholders in Germany have voiced concerns, particularly regarding the actual reach of channelization — the rate at which players migrate from illegal to legal offerings. Private trade groups contend that this figure is considerably lower than the GGL's advertised rates. Furthermore, there's a prevalent industry grievance suggesting that the GGL's regulatory framework is excessively restrictive, leading to diminishing returns and inadvertently causing local, compliant operators to lose market share to offshore and illegal platforms.