Germany Tightens Regulations on Gambling Advertising in Streaming

In an evolving digital entertainment scene, Germany has established clear boundaries. The Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the national gambling authority, is taking strong actions to halt gambling advertisements through live streaming, aiming to protect minors and vulnerable groups from the enticing yet hazardous world of online betting.

Significant Developments in Streamer Advertising Regulations

The GGL announced on 17 July a significant policy shift: even operators with licenses are forbidden from regularly advertising via streamers. This regulation is part of a comprehensive strategy to protect players and follows a crucial decision by the Higher Administrative Court on 11 July, which maintained the ban on illegal German gambling site ads by foreign streamers. The issue gained prominence after a popular German streamer contested the GGL’s restrictions, using the platform owned by Stake.com, Kick, notably resilient after Twitch’s 2021 prohibition on slot streaming. Despite the streamer’s efforts, the court ruled in favor of the GGL, asserting that content targeting German speakers must comply with Germany's strict guidelines. Historical instances, like the hefty €480,000 fine levied upon Ron Bielecki in 2023 for his Twitch promotions, highlight the GGL's commitment to its regulatory duties.

Ongoing Challenges and Effects of New Gambling Regulations

This recent judicial decision has profound implications across the streaming and gambling sectors. Ronald Benter of the GGL board sees it as a benchmark for future stringent measures against international streamers. It is critical to safeguard particularly vulnerable players from the unique risks posed by streaming. The Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV) praised both the ruling and the GGL’s heightened enforcement as crucial steps forward. However, they recognize the inherent challenges in monitoring millions of streams daily.

Despite these victories against illegal market activities, the endeavor to regulate remains challenged by legal obstacles, including those confronted by IP blocking initiatives earlier in the year. This ongoing battle highlights the complex nature of regulating the digital sphere, but with the strong backing of regulatory frameworks and court decisions, Germany is committed to protecting its residents from gambling's potential dangers.

Source:

''German regulator bans gambling licensing from advertising via streamers'', igamingbusiness.com, July 22, 2024.