GGL Fines Unnamed Operator for Advertising Offenses

Michael Schumann
May 23, 2024
1421 Views
German Tax

Germany’s official gambling regulator – the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder – otherwise known as the GGL, has recently issued a five-figure fine to an unnamed online operator. The fine was issued because the said operator violated GGL’s advertising rules.

The officials from GGL have explained that the said unnamed online operator was fined with such measures because it deliberately broke the advertising rule and promoted its offerings on websites that also advertised illegal gambling ads.

According to Germany’s official gambling regulator, this is an official violation of Germany’s Fourth Interstate Treaty on Gambling (a.k.a the GlüStV 2021), which came into force on July 21st, 2021.

The GGL’s initial purpose resulted from the said treaty and took control of all aspects of gambling regulations in Germany from January 1st, 2023.


If you are blocked by the “OASIS” player ban, you can still play here.

100% up to 500 EUR +100 Free Spins
Play Now
100% Up To 500€ Welcome Bonus
Play Now
600% Up To €1650 + 300FS Casino welcome bonus
Play Now

Ronald Benter, the CEO of the GGL, explains that they believe the advertising regulations and restrictions brought by the GlüStV 2021 to be good, effective, and justified. He added that the GGL constantly monitors offers from online legal providers.

According to Benter, “in the event of direct violations of the treaty, the GGL levy heavy fines to all operators that defy the official gambling guidelines. The withdrawals of the license in the event of repeated violations of the provisions of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling is a measure that GGL does not shy away from.”

Another member of the GGL’s board, Benjamin Schwanke, added that these operators that violate the official regulations on advertising would most definitely affect their own reputation should they choose to defy the rules and advertise illegally.

It’s been more than two months since the GGL took over control of the gambling regulations in Germany, and we are already seeing operators being fined for violating the treaty. Looks like this regulator won’t let any illegal violations go unpunished, and the restrictions on the German gambling market are going to get even stricter.


Author Michael Schumann

Michael Schumann here, originally from Germany, Berlin. Graduated from California International Business School in 2017. Researched iGaming industry regulations both in the EU and the US. Worked as a researcher-publisher with the big online publications; Business Insider, Gamblinginsider, IGB, Sportbild etc. With up to up to 7 years of experience under the belt and the new German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) on the way decided to shift my focus on the homeland.