GGL reveals insider information on the fight against illegal online casinos
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?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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".
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
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