GGL relies on anonymous whistle blowing portal

The Gambling Authority responsible for all regions in Germany (GGL), which is based in Halle (Saale), will be accepting anonymous referrals to help it in its drive to combat illegal gambling. For this purpose, the Authority has set up a referral portal where those who are infringing the law can be reported anonymously. But how successful will the new anonymous whistle blower portal of the GGL be?

The Gambling Authority responsible for all regions in Germany is gradually implementing its duties. The Authority will be completely operational as from the 1^{st of} January 2023. However, in the meantime the Authority is gaining speed in its drive to combat illegal online gambling. We had recently reported that the Gambling Authority could soon start blocking IPs. Recently an anonymous whistle-blower portal has been added, where users can report the relevant infringements to the Authority and its employees.

How does this anonymous whistle-blower portal of the GGL function?

With immediate effect, one can make an anonymous report on the GGL-Website. On the GGL homepage one can click on the red button “report infringement” which is found at the bottom of the page. The Authority promises, that “your observations will remain completely anonymous and secure here “. The aim here is to expose illegal gambling as early as possible and thus prevent any potential damages. The GGL is currently accepting reports and referrals on illegal gambling as well as advertising for illegal gambling.

The Gambling Authority is relying on the whistle-blower system BKMS® Indicdent Reporting. We took a closer look at the whistle-blower portals and within five to ten minutes we managed to report an infringement. It was here left to us whether to give our name and contact or not. In the whistle-blower portal, which is quite self- explanatory we were asked to give the name of the illegal provider as well as the domain and we were also asked to give a short description of the situation. 

As from 2023 the whistle-blower portal will be expanded

In a few months’ time the users can also make use of the portal to also be able to report other issues such as money laundering or illegal gambling providers, always anonymously. Just a few weeks ago we had reported that the GGL has started administrative procedures against Lottoland and Lottohelden.

Anonymity of those reporting is to be safeguarded

According to its own information, the authority attaches great importance on keeping the anonymity of the whistle-blowers making use of the portal and protecting their identity. For this reason, the GGL makes use of encryption technologies and protected mailboxes to communicate with the whistle-blowers. This procedure should encourage potential whistle-blowers to report infringements.

Conclusion

The nationwide Gambling Authority is making use of a newly set-up whistle-blower portal to be able to receive information about illegal gambling activities. Every user on the whistle-blower portal may remain anonymous and report a particluar provider or other infringements. The report will then be verified and followed by an employee of the Authority and an investigation within the responsible department or authority will be initiated. Just recently we had reported that the District Court of Sachsen-Anhalt has issued 25 fines for illegal gambling. We envisage that the anonymous whistle-blower portal will be well received by the users, since the reports can be made within a few minutes and are completely anonymous. It is still questionable how fast the GGL will act on the reports made and also what steps will be taken.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/mann-geheimnis-gesicht-mysteriös-4393964/