How the Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states (GGL) takes action against illegal providers has so far remained largely hidden. In a recent webinar, however, the head of the GGL's department for combating illegal gambling described the procedure in more detail. She provided fascinating insights into day-to-day business.

The GUTS is familiar to almost everyone who regularly engages in or uses gambling in Germany. Many people are aware that illegal providers (especially online casinos, but also digital bookmakers) are also put in their place as part of the regulation of the German market. But how exactly does this work?

Although the GGL regularly provides information on its work to the public, these are mostly rather general descriptions. Tactical action against illegal operators in particular has so far been kept under wraps - not to mention the disclosure of detailed processes in the day-to-day work of employees. The reasons for this are likely to be of a clearly strategic nature. After all, international gambling companies are usually staffed by many resourceful people who (as is the case in any other business) make use of all available information that could support their business. For some companies, this also includes exploiting loopholes in order to evade German gambling supervision.

It is therefore hardly surprising that the descriptions of the fight against unlicensed gambling platforms that Nadja Wierzejewski recently gave in a webinar do not provide a complete picture of GGL's day-to-day business. However, the head of GGL's Department for Combating Unlicensed Gambling did provide somewhat deeper insights than usual. She also discussed the problems the authority is facing in this context and where it sees important priorities for 2025.

Insights into GGL's strategies: between test games and digital enforcement tools

For the GGL, users themselves are actually one of the most valuable sources of information in the fight against illegal gambling platforms. Nadja Wierzejewski, Head of the Department for Illegal Gambling at the authority, reveals in the webinar in question that the majority of investigations are triggered by tips from the gaming community. We recently reported that the GGL had received 1,500 anonymous tips.

  1. As soon as such reports are received, the investigators begin their initial checks. Using well-prepared fake accounts, they gamble on the suspicious platforms in order to uncover violations of German gambling law.
  2. The significance of the providers is carefully assessed. As Wierzejewski suggests, factors such as the number of German users play a decisive role: are there only a few participants or thousands? Prioritization is essential, as the authority's resources are limited.
  3. Identifying those responsible is the next step. This is often particularly complex, says Wierzejewski. Many illegal providers rely on complex corporate structures and conceal their data. If there is an imprint, it often does not provide any particularly helpful facts. Nevertheless, Wierzejewski emphasizes that the authority also finds effective solutions to such challenges. She does not explain how specific addresses are found.
Incidentally, the webinar in which Wierzejewski gave these fascinating insights was organized by two renowned consulting companies: von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft and HLB Schumacher Hallermann. Von Beust & Coll. offers its clients services in the areas of strategy, communication and business. It primarily helps companies, associations and corporations to successfully position complex messages and communicate them sustainably. HLB, on the other hand, specializes in legal and tax advice, auditing and management consultancy. Their integrated approach aims to offer medium-sized companies tailor-made solutions. Both service providers operate at the interface between business, law and strategic communication - skills that play an important role in today's fight against illegal gambling operators.

If violations are detected, GGL can draw on various tools to restrict the business activities of illegal casinos or betting platforms in Germany.

Payment blocking

According to Wierzejewski, payment blocking, in which payment flows between popular licensed financial services and illegal platforms are interrupted, is proving to be extremely effective. Despite creative attempts by providers to circumvent the measures through convoluted payment channels, the hurdles for casinos are increasing significantly. This makes the German market increasingly unattractive for such operators. As recently as October, we reported that GGL was also successful with payment blocking in Switzerland.

IP blocking

IP blocking has been less successful so far. Internet providers are supposed to block access to illegal sites. In theory, this is relatively easy to implement, but there are apparently still considerable legal hurdles, as courts have called this practice into question. Nevertheless, according to Wierzejewski, European regulations such as the Digital Service Act open up new possibilities. This allows the GGL to draw the attention of hosting services in the EU to illegal content and, to a certain extent, initiate measures via a friendly tip. The Swiss gambling supervisory authority recently reported a record number of blocked casinos in the country.

Looking ahead to 2025: focus on crypto casinos and cloaking

Nadja Wierzejewski also ventures a look ahead and makes it clear that the GGL will be focusing on two major areas in 2025:

  1. Firstly, this concerns the growing activities in so-called crypto-casinos, where illegal gambling is carried out using cryptocurrencies. Such providers operate in networks that are almost impossible to control and therefore require special investigative approaches.
  2. On the other hand, so-called cloaking poses a challenge. Here, seemingly harmless advertising - Wierzejewski cites hotels as an example - is used to inconspicuously redirect users to illegal gambling sites.

Wierzejewski suggests that GGL is already working on solutions for both problem areas. The authority is still in the early stages, particularly when it comes to cloaking. However, as can be interpreted from the wording, there are plans to uncover the concealment tactics with targeted technical measures. The status of crypto casinos appears to be similar. The fight against this is described as a "major project for 2025".

The GGL provides targeted insights into its work, but deliberately keeps crucial details under wraps. It is interesting to note how openly the authority addresses its own weaknesses and admits that it still has some catching up to do in certain areas. Market developments in the coming years will show whether the approaches presented and initiatives planned will be effective. One thing is certain: the fight against illegal gambling remains a dynamic field in which flexibility and innovation are required. Because, of course, operators are also constantly evolving.

Source of the image: https://pixabay.com/photos/office-startup-business-home-office-594132/

Text sources: https://www.gamesundbusiness.de/wierzejewski-paymentblocking-ist-das-schaerfte-schwert

https://www.hlb-schumacher-hallermann.de/

https://www.vbcoll.de/

What do you think of the article?

0 Comments to: GGL reveals insider information on the fight against illegal online casinos

write a comment

Our community thrives on your feedback - so let us know what you think!

Would you like to write comments on GambleJoe yourself? Then just create a GambleJoe User Account.

  • upload your own winning pictures or videos
  • rate online casinos and slot machines
  • write comments and take part in our forum
  • take part in the monthly GJ Coin lottery
  • and much more