Germany Sets Boundaries for Gambling Ads in Streaming

In the dynamic world of online media, Germany has established strict boundaries. The Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany's collective gambling authority, has taken a significant step by banning gambling advertisements via live streamers. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding minors and at-risk individuals from the temptations of online gambling, an area fraught with digital and emotional challenges.

The Impact of the GGL's Recent Ruling

On 17 July, a pivotal announcement was made by the GGL: it declared that even legally licensed gambling entities are now forbidden from consistently advertising via streamers. This development is part of a comprehensive initiative by the GGL to protect players and follows an important decision by Germany's Higher Administrative Court. On 11 July, the court endorsed the GGL's earlier ruling forbidding foreign streamers from promoting illegal gambling services in Germany.

The legal dispute featured a prominent German streamer from the platform Kick, run by Stake.com, which became a popular site for gambling broadcasts following Twitch's 2021 prohibition on slot streaming. The streamer's appeal for advertising freedom was rejected, with the court affirming that any content directed at German speakers is within their jurisdiction. This stands in line with previous cases where fines were imposed for illegal gambling promotions, notably Ron Bielecki’s €480,000 fine in 2023. Furthermore, according to the GGL, the inherent danger of gambling streams lies in how they emotionally portray gambling, thus making it appear as a normal, everyday activity, particularly dangerous for unsuspecting minors.

Future Implications and Ongoing Challenges

The far-reaching effects of the recent court judgment reverberate throughout the streaming and gambling sectors. Ronald Benter, a GGL board member, stated that this case paves the way for stricter regulation against foreign streamers. The Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV), Germany's online casino association, praised the verdict and affirmed that it would discourage foreign entities from targeting German consumers.

Nonetheless, the DOCV also recognized the considerable challenge in monitoring the immense volume of daily streams, making complete enforcement difficult. While the GGL has celebrated several regulatory successes, it continues to struggle against the black market. The authority has encountered legal obstacles, particularly with the enforcement of IP blocking regulations earlier this year. Despite these hurdles, the German initiative marks a critical step in an ongoing battle to protect vulnerable individuals from the risks posed by digital-age gambling.

Source:

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

By GamesAndCasino