GGL Strengthens Collaboration to Combat Gambling Addiction
The Federal Authority of German Gambling (GGL) is enhancing its collaboration with state authorities to better address gambling addiction and strengthen regulatory enforcement.
GGL Enhances Coordination with State Authorities
Last week, GGL Chairman Ronald Benter initiated meetings with state representatives, beginning with Konrad Landgraf from Bavaria’s State Office for Gambling Addiction, to improve cooperation under the Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV). These meetings aim to better understand state-level challenges and develop joint strategies to enhance player protection and public awareness.
As part of its long-term plan, the GGL will continue to gather feedback from state offices involved in healthcare and public welfare, particularly those focused on prevention and counseling for gambling addiction.
The GGL’s comprehensive evaluation of the German gambling landscape, set to be presented to the Bundestag in 2026, will include recommendations for new federal protections related to gambling advertising.
This evaluation will also reflect the findings of ongoing research, including the 2023 study by the University of Bremen, which has highlighted consistent rates of gambling disorders in Germany since 2021.
Responding to Criticism and Strengthening Legal Enforcement
While the GGL has been proactive in supporting research on gambling disorders, it has faced criticism for not fully accounting for the impact of unlicensed gambling activities on German consumers.
In response, the GGL is expanding its thematic exchanges with state coordination offices to refine its approach and strengthen the enforcement of gambling laws.
Upcoming meetings, including Benter’s visit to North Rhine-Westphalia in October 2024, will further solidify these collaborative efforts.
