Germany’s betting regulator Glücksspielbehörde (GGL) is implementing a new strategy to tackle gambling addiction in collaboration with state authorities.
GGL President Ronald Benter recently met with Konrad Landgraf, managing director of the Bavarian State Office for Gambling Addiction (LSG). The objective was to establish a new approach to social responsibility.
During the meeting, Benter emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue with each state official. The aim is to improve cooperation and discuss improvements in the laws of the Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gaming (GlüStV).
Advances in gambling regulation in Germany
These actions follow the identification of challenges at the first meeting of interstate authorities in Halle. This meeting was held in January 2023, when the Saxony-Anhalt agency assumed the role of Federal Gaming Authority in Germany.
Benter said: “It is crucial for us to hear the perspectives of all relevant interest groups and gain a comprehensive view of the situation. Player protection and public awareness are our priorities. Through thematic exchanges with state offices, we are expanding our expertise.”
The entity is focused on receiving feedback from state offices that deal with health care and public welfare, especially those involved in gambling addiction prevention and counseling.
In 2026, GGL will present a comprehensive assessment of the gaming market in Germany to the Bundestag. This study will detail changes that have occurred since the introduction of the GlüStV laws in 2021 and will include recommendations on new federal protections for gaming advertisements, which must be authorized by the Bundestag.
Support to the Institute of Public Health
GGL also supported research by the Institute of Public Health at the University of Bremen into problem gambling. The 2023 study revealed a steady 2.4% rate of gaming disorder among individuals ages 18 to 70 since 2021.
