The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) is requesting increased powers to combat illegal online gambling. Ronald Benter, a board member of the Halle (Saale)-based authority, told the “Mitteldeutsche Zeitung” that the GGL needs to react more swiftly to market changes and be able to decide on new measures. He sees the current evaluation of the Gambling States Contract as a potential avenue for making these changes.
“The illegal market is highly dynamic. Therefore, we as an authority must become faster,” Benter stated. He noted that the Gambling States Contract currently contains many detailed regulations. Even if the GGL and the federal states agree on necessary adjustments, changes to the regulatory framework could take several years to implement.
Consequently, Benter is advocating for the authority to be given greater discretionary power. He suggests that such decisions should be made in consultation with the GGL’s Administrative Council, which represents the interests of the states. “Ultimately, we possess the expertise and should, for that reason, be able to react more quickly to developments and decide on new measures,” he added.
Furthermore, the gambling supervisory body identifies the prosecution of illegal providers operating abroad as an area requiring action. The GGL advocates that public prosecutors should be authorized to open legal proceedings against individuals who offer illegal gambling from outside Germany to German users. Benter remarked that this has virtually never happened before. The authority believes that initiating such procedures would significantly increase deterrence.
