Germany’s Joint Gaming Authority (GGL) is backing a new European effort to tackle illegal online gambling. The regulator joined officials from Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain at a November 12 meeting in Madrid. These authorities issued a joint statement targeting unlicensed operators.
But the GGL can’t formally sign international declarations. Germany’s federal structure means the authority supervises for the federal states rather than representing them directly.
Still, the GGL made clear it fully supports the positions outlined.
Why Illegal Operators Pose Growing Risks
Unlicensed gambling sites increasingly reach European consumers through social media and video platforms. They’re using affiliate networks too. These operators target people in regulated markets where they don’t hold licences.
The regulators say this undermines legal gambling markets and puts consumers at risk. Minors face particular danger from these unauthorised sites.
Recent warnings from the GGL highlight the scope of the problem. The authority has issued advisories about social betting platforms and unlicensed participation in Spain’s El Gordo lottery.
And there’s another wrinkle. The UK’s recent tax hike might push more bettors toward illegal sites, according to industry analysts.
What European Regulators Are Demanding
The joint statement calls for major digital platforms to strengthen their monitoring systems. Regulators want these companies to stop illegal gambling promotions from spreading.
The participating authorities committed to better cross-border information sharing. They’ll coordinate enforcement actions and share best practices. The meeting focused on common challenges that no single country can solve alone.
Illegal advertising represents a key concern. Unlicensed providers now target potential customers across multiple platforms simultaneously.
How Germany Will Contribute to Joint Efforts
The GGL plans to keep participating in European strategies despite not signing formal declarations. The authority will prioritise sharing operational knowledge with other regulators.
Germany maintains a public whitelist that’s updated continuously. Players can verify licensed operators using this list.
The regulator emphasised that strengthening alignment across European markets remains critical. Better coordination should make enforcement more effective against operators who move between jurisdictions.
Cross-border cooperation offers the best path forward, according to the statement. Individual countries can’t effectively police operators who deliberately target multiple markets while licensed in none.
The Madrid meeting marks another step toward unified European action. Regulators recognise that fragmented approaches let illegal operators exploit gaps between different national systems.
