Official embarrassment of the GGL: Over 800 wild betting sites!
The states' joint gaming authority has been working diligently for a little over a year. But somehow the store isn't really running smoothly. The legal online betting providers complain about falling sales and suspect that the black market is sprouting. The authorities actually wanted to combat this. What's going wrong with the top playground guards?
Chaos in the game: The gaming authority is fighting against the black market
In 2021, the federal states finally agreed to open the online betting business in Germany. They created the Joint Gambling Authority (GGL), which takes care of everything that has to do with gambling on the Internet - except online roulette, which remains in the hands of the individual federal states. The GGL is based in Halle/Saale and distributes licenses for legal online gambling - and hunts down providers who lure gamblers to their illegal sites.
Player protection or gimmick? The authority's fight against illegal gambling
The idea sounds simple: if there is a legal, monitored offer, players can better protect themselves from excessive losses. You have to register; there is a kind of central file that prevents you from gambling away more than 1000 euros a month. Yes another card index ensures that you don't play in different games of chance at the same time. At the same time, the black market should become unattractive.
But things actually work differently, at least from the perspective of online sports betting providers. Last year, the industry association DSWV enthusiastically welcomed the GGL. Yes even now he praises the GGL – well, a little at least.
But somehow things are not going as hoped, and according to the association, that is also due to the GGL. Sports betting is the largest segment on the Internet, ahead of virtual slot games. Yes last year, players gambled away 7,7 billion euros on legal providers in Germany, six percent less than the year before and even 18 percent less than in 2021.”It is a fallacy to believe that there is less betting“, comments DSWV President Mathias Dahms on the numbers. “We think players simply turned to the black market.” It’s usually just a click away on the internet. Yes more money tends to be invested there, says Dahms. The authority must fight the black market more strongly and make legal offers more attractive. There seems to be a problem with the GGL, even though this is one of its main tasks.
Advantages of illegal providers compared to German casinos
Illegal gambling providers often manage to offer players tempting advantages over regulated German casinos. While state casinos are bound by strict regulations and high taxes, illegal operators often operate outside of these regulations and can therefore offer a number of supposed advantages:
1. More flexible application options: Illegal providers often entice players with more flexible betting options, allowing players to play with lower stakes or bet larger amounts without observing the restrictions of state gambling authorities.
2. More generous bonuses and promotions: To attract players, illegal gambling operators often offer generous bonuses and promotions that go far beyond what state-owned casinos can offer. These bonuses can include free spins, deposit bonuses and other rewards.
3. Wider range of games: Illegal online casinos often find it easier to offer a variety of games, including those that may not be legal in Germany. This allows players to choose from a wider range of options and enjoy their favorite games.
4. Anonymity and Discretion: Because illegal gambling operators are not subject to the same strict identity checks and surveillance measures as government-regulated casinos, players can often gamble anonymously and keep their activities discreet. For example in Crypto casinos who also make anonymous payments.
