GGL Backs European Joint Declaration Against Illegal Online Gambling

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has thrown its support behind a joint European declaration targeting illegal online gambling, following a meeting of regulatory authorities in Madrid on November 12, 2025.

Six-Nation DeclarationRegulators from Austria, France, the UK, Italy, Portugal, and Spain issued a joint statement calling for strengthened measures against unlicensed online gambling operators. The declaration, published by the UK Gambling Commission, emphasizes the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation and improved enforcement mechanisms.

Germany's Constitutional PositionWhile the GGL fully endorses the declaration's objectives, Germany's federal structure prevents the regulator from formally co-signing international statements. The GGL operates as an authority of the German states (Länder), with exclusive responsibility for enforcement and supervision of online gambling, but lacks the mandate to represent Germany at the national level.

Key CommitmentsThe Madrid declaration focuses on several priority areas:

Enhanced sharing of best practices between European regulatorsCloser operational cooperation between national authoritiesCalls for digital platforms to strengthen their control mechanisms against illegal operatorsThe GGL shares the view that illegal online gambling poses significant risks to consumers, particularly minors, while undermining legitimate licensed markets.

Next StepsThe German regulator has committed to actively supporting information exchange initiatives and contributing to the development of joint strategies to combat illegal online gambling while strengthening oversight of licensed operators.