German regulator issues fine for advertising offences

The GGL said the operator was penalised after it “deliberately advertised” its offerings on websites that also advertised illegal gambling offerings.

According to the regulator, this was a violation of Germany’s Fourth State Treaty on Gambling, which came into force in July 2021.

The GGL was created as a result of the treaty, and took control of all aspects of gambling regulation from 1 January 2023, following taking over on the illegal gambling enforcement brief on 1 July 2022. Prior to this, gambling enforcement was the responsibility of various state level ministries in Germany.

“We consider these advertising regulations to be very good and justified,” said Ronald Benter, CEO of the GGL. “The GGL consistently monitors offers from legal providers.

“In the event of violations, we levy heavy fines. The withdrawal of the licence 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.”

Benjamin Schwanke, board member at GGL, added that operators would also be affecting their own reputation if they chose to violate this rule.

“The legal online gambling providers cannot have any interest in advertising on sites that also advertise illegal gambling,” he said. “This damages the reputation of the providers.”