GGL and Federal Drug Commissioner Partner on Gambling Addiction Prevention

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has initiated formal cooperation with Germany's Federal Drug and Addiction Commissioner to enhance gambling addiction prevention and tackle illegal gambling.

First Official MeetingGGL Board Member Ronald Benter met with Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Government's Drug and Addiction Commissioner, on December 5, 2025. The meeting focused on current developments and identifying areas for joint action.

Benter emphasized that the fundamental mechanisms of the 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty (GlüStV 2021) are working effectively and provide a stable foundation. Any adjustments should be targeted and evidence-based, he noted.

Key Discussion PointsThe dialogue addressed several areas critical to both addiction prevention and gambling regulation:

Strengthening networks between regulatory bodies, research institutions, and prevention servicesCombating illegal gambling operationsProposed criminal code reform to extend prosecution powers against illegal offshore gambling providersBalancing Player Protection and Market AttractivenessBenter highlighted the challenging balance the GGL must maintain daily: ensuring robust player protection while keeping the legal market sufficiently attractive to prevent players from migrating to illegal operators.

"Regulation needs partners," Benter stated. "The GGL sees itself as an interface between politics, authorities, research, and prevention facilities. The challenges in gambling addiction can only be tackled together."

Both parties agreed that protecting against gambling addiction is a society-wide responsibility and committed to continuing their dialogue.