As the 2024 European Football Championship approaches, the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL), in collaboration with Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert, has issued a stern warning regarding the dangers of participating in illegal online sports betting. The GGL has emphasized that these illegal betting sites do not adhere to the legally prescribed measures designed to protect against gambling addiction and to safeguard minors.

GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Warn About Risks of Illegal Online Sports Betting During the 2024 European Football Championship

The Legal Risks and Dangers of Illegal Online Sports Betting

Engaging in illegal online sports betting not only constitutes a criminal offense but also significantly increases the risk of developing a gambling addiction. According to Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL, “We ensure that legal sports betting providers comply with the legal requirements for the protection of players. It is therefore important to find out about the options for legal gambling before taking part in a game.”

Player Protection and Legal Compliance

Benter further highlighted the importance of player protection and legal compliance. He stated, “At the same time, together with other institutions, we are also fighting illegal gambling offers and advertising in order to ensure the prevention of gambling addiction and the protection of players and young people.” This proactive stance by the GGL aims to create a safer environment for all participants by eliminating the threats posed by illegal gambling operations.

The Role of Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert

Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert also weighed in on the issue, noting that illegal sports betting severely undermines youth and player protection. He said, “With illegal sports betting, youth and player protection in particular falls completely flat, which can mean an increased risk of addiction. Together with the GGL, it is our task to provide more information and transparency and to protect players. To do this, however, we still need a sharp legal sword in order to be able to take action against illegal betting providers.”

Advocating for Legal Amendments to Combat Illegal Gambling

The GGL is actively advocating for an amendment to the Criminal Code to allow for more effective prosecution of illegal gambling activities. The current legal framework includes a paragraph concerning illegal gambling, but the GGL argues that the planned deletion of this paragraph would hinder efforts to combat illegal gambling. Instead, they propose extending the paragraph to include foreign-based illegal gambling providers.

Letter to the Federal Minister of Justice

In a bid to strengthen their stance, the GGL board has called for this crucial clarification in a letter to Federal Minister of Justice Dr. Buschmann. This proposed amendment is seen as essential to maintaining robust legal measures against the proliferation of illegal gambling, particularly with the increased betting activity expected during the European Football Championship.

Strengthening Supervision and Research on Gambling Advertising

In addition to advocating for legal changes, the GGL plans to tighten its supervision regarding compliance with sports betting advertising regulations during the championship. This initiative aligns with the GGL’s recently commissioned research into the impact of gambling advertising on the population.

Research Findings and Regulatory Actions

The research findings indicate a need for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements to mitigate their influence on vulnerable groups, including minors and individuals susceptible to addiction. By enforcing stricter advertising standards, the GGL aims to reduce the risks associated with exposure to gambling promotions.

The Importance of Legal Sports Betting Options

Legal sports betting providers are required to comply with stringent regulations designed to protect players and ensure fair play. These regulations include measures to prevent gambling addiction, safeguard minors, and provide a transparent betting environment.

Why Choose Legal Sports Betting?

Choosing legal sports betting options is crucial for several reasons:

• Player Protection: Legal platforms implement robust measures to protect players from addiction and fraudulent activities.
• Fair Play: Legal providers are monitored to ensure fair play and transparency in their operations.
• Security: Personal and financial data are protected through advanced security protocols.
• Compliance: Legal betting sites adhere to the regulations set by gambling authorities, ensuring a safer betting environment.

The Broader Impact of Illegal Gambling

Illegal gambling not only poses risks to individual bettors but also has broader social and economic implications. The lack of regulatory oversight can lead to issues such as:

• Increased Gambling Addiction: Without proper safeguards, players are more susceptible to developing gambling addiction.
• Financial Losses: Illegal sites often do not guarantee the safety of deposits and winnings, leading to potential financial losses.
• Crime and Fraud: Illegal gambling operations can be linked to organized crime and fraudulent activities, further endangering participants.

Public Awareness and Education

Raising public awareness about the dangers of illegal gambling and promoting education on legal betting options are key strategies in combating illegal activities. The GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Blienert are committed to these efforts, providing resources and information to help the public make informed decisions.

FAQs: GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Warning About Risks of Illegal Online Sports Betting 

1. Why is the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL) issuing a warning about illegal online sports betting?

The GGL is issuing a warning to highlight the risks associated with illegal online sports betting, including the lack of legally required protections against gambling addiction and the safeguarding of minors.

2. What are the legal risks of participating in illegal online sports betting?

Participating in illegal online sports betting constitutes a criminal offense and significantly increases the risk of developing a gambling addiction due to the lack of regulatory oversight and protective measures.

3. How does illegal sports betting affect player and youth protection?

Illegal sports betting platforms do not comply with legal measures designed to protect players and minors, leading to increased risks of addiction and exposure to unsafe betting environments.

4. What measures are being taken by the GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert to combat illegal gambling?

The GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert are advocating for amendments to the Criminal Code to enhance prosecution of illegal gambling and are tightening supervision of sports betting advertising regulations. They also emphasize the importance of public education and transparency to protect players.

5. What legal changes is the GGL advocating for?

The GGL is advocating for an amendment to the Criminal Code to include foreign-based illegal gambling providers, ensuring more effective prosecution of illegal gambling activities.

6. How does the GGL plan to enforce stricter regulations during the 2024 European Football Championship?

The GGL plans to enhance supervision of compliance with sports betting advertising regulations and has commissioned research into the impact of gambling advertising on the population to inform their regulatory actions.

7. Why should individuals choose legal sports betting options?

Legal sports betting options provide robust player protection, ensure fair play, secure personal and financial data, and comply with regulatory standards, creating a safer betting environment.

8. What are the broader social and economic impacts of illegal gambling?

Illegal gambling can lead to increased gambling addiction, financial losses, and involvement in crime and fraud due to the lack of regulatory oversight and protective measures.

9. How can public awareness help combat illegal gambling?

Public awareness and education about the risks of illegal gambling and the benefits of legal betting options are crucial strategies in reducing illegal gambling activities and protecting vulnerable groups.