German Regulator Cranks Up Fight Against Illegal Gambling
Posted on: February 6, 2026, 06:54h.
Last updated on: February 6, 2026, 06:54h.
- German regulator looks to intensify fight against illegal igaming operators
- GGL was front and centre at ICE Barcelona
The German gaming regulatory authority was front and centre at the recent igaming industry ICE Barcelona show looking to convince legal operators to come aboard and help in the fight against illegal operators in Germany.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder used the event as a platform for an international exchange and networking opportunity.
Germany’s Fight Against the Black Market
ICE Barcelona is the biggest B2B event in the global gaming world, especially for igaming. It ran Jan. 19-21, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, drawing over 65,000 attendees from more than 180 countries, with 600 exhibitors. It’s unbeatable as an industry networking opportunity, the ultimate spot to make deals, find partners, stay ahead of product and technology launches.
Nadja Wierzejewski, Department Head at the GGL, hosted the “Gaming in Germany Breakfast” event during the show, where she outlined that GGL’s (German Gaming Authority) strategy for fighting the illegal online market. Wierzejewski said the objective is to put together a coordinated package of measures designed to put targeted, maximum pressure on Germany’s black market.
Huge Number Using Illegal Gambling Sites
As Casino.org’s Philip Conneller wrote here, GGL estimates the size of the German online black market to be 25% in its 2024 activity report. That means that roughly a quarter of German players play on unregulated sites.
That’s a significant percentage, especially considering that in Germany it is a crime to take part in illegal gambling. Other studies have the size of Germany’s black market much larger than 25%.
The GGL measures include prohibition orders, payment and IP blocking, and taking measures against advertising for illegal gambling. The regulator also made a point of asking licensed operators to be more aware of illegal operators, and to use their market knowledge and influence in the industry to help GGL in pressuring illegal offerings.
Wierzejewski madę the point: The GGL and legal licensed operators are in it together, and that by joining forces to fight against illegal gambling operators, they are helping to ensure the fostering of a stable, safe, sustainable gambling market in Germany.
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