The German federal states are planning an amendment to the State Treaty on Gambling, which will significantly expand the legal framework for IP blocking. The goal is to more effectively combat illegal online gambling services and facilitate the enforcement of legal requirements. So far, the blocks have focused on content providers who are responsible under the Telemedia Act. With the planned expansion, access providers will now also be held accountable.
This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen consumer protection in the digital gambling market and close the legal loopholes that currently allow access to illegal offerings. Experts see this as an opportunity to reduce the risk of gambling addiction and fraud, as illegal platforms will be more difficult to access.
"The expansion of IP blocking represents an important step toward curbing illegal online gambling. It's not just about blocking measures, but about strengthening the entire regulatory framework."
The amendment has already been submitted to the EU Commission. If the Brussels authorities raise no objections, the changes could be adopted by the state parliaments before the end of this year. The goal is to implement the expanded IP blocking measures starting in May 2026. The federal states hope this will enable faster and more efficient implementation of the blocking measures against illegal gambling providers.
IP blocking gambling: expanding responsibilities
The planned amendment to the law stipulates that not only content providers but also access providers can be directly obligated to block access to illegal gambling websites. Previously, this responsibility was limited to service providers who are responsible for the content under the Telemedia Act.
“Access providers will be actively involved in combating illegal gambling services in the future, which means that blocking is expected to be significantly more effective.”
This measure is intended to close existing loopholes in the law. It provides authorities with an additional tool to take action against providers who have previously been able to evade blocking. At the same time, the amendment is intended to ensure greater legal certainty by defining clear guidelines for the implementation of the blocks.
IP blocking gambling: goals and effects
With this reform, the federal states are pursuing several goals. First, illegal online gambling services are to be more strictly restricted. Second, the work of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States will be facilitated by clearly defining responsibilities for blocking.
Another aspect is international cooperation. By involving access providers, authorities can collaborate more quickly and efficiently with foreign partners. Information exchange is improved, and cross-border measures to block illegal platforms can be implemented in a more coordinated manner.
The reform has met with mixed reactions. Supporters praise the measure as an effective means of combating illegal gambling and see it as improved consumer protection. Critics warn of potential restrictions on net neutrality and question the practical implementation of IP blocking.
Overall, the amendment to the State Treaty on Gambling demonstrates the federal states' determination to tighten regulation of the digital gambling market. The planned IP blocking measures are intended to be an effective tool to curb illegal offerings, increase consumer protection, and facilitate the work of authorities. The coming months will reveal how the EU Commission reacts to the amendment and what concrete impact the reform will have on providers and users.
