Bavarian lottery and casino administration honored for outstanding player protection

The association The European Lotteries represents the national lottery companies in Europe. It is primarily committed to promoting safe gaming and regularly audits its members in this regard. The lottery and casino administration in Bavaria was recently awarded gold status for special achievements. This means that it voluntarily exceeds the strict requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) of 2021. But what exactly does this mean?

Let's be honest: Lotto is the "people's game of chance" par excellence. A small bet, a few crosses - and then hope that with six correct numbers you'll suddenly become a millionaire. It could hardly be easier. What's more, you can play the lottery in almost any supermarket. And that is precisely why it is so important that there is a solid protection mechanism behind the colorful balls and jackpot dreams. Because where gambling is particularly promising and easily accessible, there are also risks lurking. In a recent self-experiment conducted by our editorial team, the question was clarified: Are lottery scratch cards worth it?

In Germany, the Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states (GGL) in particular ensures the necessary security. It lays down strict rules to ensure that fun does not become a problem. Each federal state has its own lottery company, from Bavaria to Schleswig-Holstein - and lotto is of course not only available at the kiosk or the bakery next door, but also online.

Lotto Bayern has obviously really delivered on this topic. The Bavarian lottery and casino administration recently received a real honorary award for its consistent bet on player and youth protection: from the European Lotteries, the major umbrella organization for lottery companies in Europe. Gold status, to be precise. Lotto Bayern is quite proud of this, as can be seen from a recent press release.

The official statement highlights one thing in particular: "By meeting the EL criteria, the State Lottery and Casino Administration is voluntarily going beyond the requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 in its lottery offering."

The exciting question now is: What exactly is going so smoothly in Bavaria? And why is it apparently one step better here than elsewhere? Let's take a closer look.

The state lottery and casino administration is proud of the award and promotes its offering with a broad chest

Lotto Bayern was certainly celebrating when the news of the European Lotteries Gold award arrived. The press release presents the whole thing just as proudly. Claus Niederalt, President of the State Lottery and Casino Administration, gets straight to the point:

"Gambling is fun! This is proven by the high level of acceptance that our product range enjoys among customers in the Free State. However, the State Lottery and Casino Administration is also aware of its responsibility and ensures a fair and safe gaming offer with numerous player and youth protection measures."

So Munich is really clapping itself on the back. And who can blame them? After all, Gold status doesn't come by itself - it requires consistent adherence to the EL Responsible Gaming Standards and continuous further development. Every few years, an independent auditing company takes a very close look at whether the statutes are actually being adhered to: This is what the press release says. Bavaria has indeed repeatedly delivered.

Incidentally, when we reported on Chip.de's big lottery test in February 2024, Lotto Bayern was in mid-table in the overall ranking: Lotto Hessen was named the best online lottery provider in Germany.

"Beyond the requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021": What's really behind this?

Let's cut to the chase: what exactly makes Lotto Bayern better than complying with the already strict standards of the GlüStV? Unfortunately, the press release is rather vague. But no problem, we've done the research for you. Incidentally, the Greens discussed a revision of the GlüStV in the summer of 2024.

What does the GlüStV 2021 stipulate?

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 sets out clear rules to protect players and young people. Here are a few of the most important points.

• Protection of minors: minors are not allowed to gamble. Providers must ensure that only adults have access.
• Player blocking system: There is a central blocking system (OASIS) in which players can block themselves or be blocked by third parties. In August 2024, we asked ourselves how well OASIS works.
• Bet limits: There are bet and loss limits for certain games to prevent excessive gambling. You can also have the betting limit increased in online casinos.
• Advertising restrictions: Advertising for gambling is regulated so as not to create false incentives. Google has only been advertising legal games of chance since September 2024.

And what do the European Lotteries add on top?

The ELs have their own standards for responsible gambling, which actually go beyond the national requirements. Here are a few key examples.

• Employee training: Regular and comprehensive training for all employees to identify problem gambling behavior at an early stage and respond appropriately.
• Game design: Development of games with low addictive potential and clear risk assessment.
• Digital channels: Secure and transparent design of online offerings to prevent manipulation and abuse.
• Advertising and marketing: Strictly ethical advertising measures that do not target vulnerable groups and do not make misleading promises.
• Research and cooperation: Active participation in scientific studies and cooperation with various interest groups in order to continuously improve player protection.

Source of the image: Press image from https://slsv-bayern.de/news/staatliche-lotterie-und-spielbankverwaltung-holt-gold/ "SLSV"

Central text sources: https://slsv-bayern.de/news/staatliche-lotterie-und-spielbankverwaltung-holt-gold/, https://www.european-lotteries.org/system/files/2021-09/EL%20Responsible%20Gaming%20Standards_v4_2021_DE_0.pdf