GGL Warns: Illegal Online Gambling Poses High Addiction Risk for Youth

Illegal gambling operators are deliberately targeting German players through online platforms that lack essential safeguards, Germany's Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has warned. Without age verification, stake and deposit limits, or self-exclusion systems, the risk of developing gambling addiction increases significantly—particularly among young people.

Awareness Day Highlights Regulatory GapsThe warning comes ahead of the annual Problem Gambling Awareness Day on 24 September 2025, held under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Government's Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Policy. This year's theme: "Gambling harms—recognize, name, avoid."

"Illegal platforms offer no effective player protection mechanisms. Anyone who plays there runs a considerable risk of developing a gambling addiction," said GGL Board Member Ronald Benter.

Licensed Operators Face Strict RequirementsUnder the 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty, licensed operators must implement:

Stake and deposit limitsConnection to the OASIS self-exclusion databasePanic button functionality for immediate session terminationThe GGL's prevention strategy focuses on three core areas: enforcement of player protection requirements, supervision of the growing sports betting market, and combating illegal offerings.

Sports Betting Market Under ScrutinySebastian Buchholz, Head of the GGL's Licensing and Supervision department, addressed current challenges at a specialist conference in Halle. "Sports betting is a growing market. Consistent supervision of legal providers, alongside combating illegal betting offerings, is essential to protect players and ensure legal certainty," Buchholz emphasized.

The GGL's 2023 Gambling Survey indicates elevated risk of problematic gambling behavior in the online sector. Players can verify operator legitimacy through the official whitelist at gluecksspiel-behoerde.de—any unlisted operator is illegal.