29 Mar

Gambling News

New German regulator pledges "data-driven assessment" of State Treaty

Members of Germany's new national regulator, die Glücksspielbehörde, have committed to an evidence-based assessment of player protection regulations, including the country's €1 limit on slot spins, upon assuming control of German gambling.

The entity, commencing operations as Germany's inaugural federal gaming regulator on 1 January 2023, was established by the Fourth State Treaty on gaming, effective from July 2021. This pact permitted nationwide internet casino gaming for the first time, accompanied by stringent regulations designed to safeguard participants. The measures encompassed a €1 stake limit per spin for online slots.

Ronald Benter, a board member of the gambling authority, stated that the new regulator is actively seeking to enhance player protection in three primary domains.

Benter stated that the regulator was engaged in a "data-driven assessment" of the player protection procedures outlined in the Fourth State Treaty. 

Benter stated, "Our objective is to establish an internal evaluation system to assess the impact of the treaty's player protection measures."

Board member Benjamin Schwanke stated that the Glücksspielbehörde will collaborate with specialists to develop an early detection system for gambling-related harm.

“Furthermore, we will consult pertinent experts and institutions specialising in provider-related early detection systems for gambling addiction, as we require the advancement of unified, cross-provider scientific standards for the early identification of gambling addiction,” he stated.

Following the findings of this investigation, the regulator will subsequently counsel legislators on potential modifications to the law, if warranted.

Secondly, he stated that the regulator was formulating a new centralised complaint and whistleblowing system. This system enables citizens to report "irregularities with authorised gambling providers," suspicions of illicit gambling, and violations of advertising regulations.

The Glücksspielbehörde stated, “The objective is to employ an automated system to promptly implement suitable actions and to obtain automated assessment options regarding the frequency of complaints concerning particular subjects or providers.”

Benter stated that the regulator will offer consolidated information regarding player protection and the prevention of gambling and betting addiction on its website. He observed that this will encompass clear criteria that an operator must fulfil to obtain a permit.

Furthermore, Schwanke stated that the regulator was "engaged in discussions with industry associations" regarding the ongoing provision of complimentary gambling harm services through the national public health hotline Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA).