In an effort to better protect players and combat gambling addiction, the German Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction has partnered with the federal gaming regulator, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbe fürde der Länder (GGL). Ronald Benter, the chair of GGL, emphasized the value of teamwork during a discussion with Dr. Hendrik Streeck.
In order to integrate research, counseling, and regulatory practice into a cohesive national strategy to player protection, the GGL and the Federal Drug Commissioner promised to establish an ongoing discussion.
Benter said:
Regulation needs partners. The GGL sees itself as an interface between politics, authorities, research and prevention institutions. The challenges in gambling addiction prevention can only be overcome together.
Potential revisions to Germany’s Criminal Code (StGB) to increase regulatory enforcement authority against foreign gambling companies were among the topics under discussion. The significance of evidence-based policymaking and uniform implementation of the law was emphasized by all sides. Benter reaffirmed that the Interstate Gambling Treaty of 2021 offers a strong basis and that any modifications should be data-driven and carefully targeted.
The meeting took place following Streeck’s September speech to state authorities on Germany’s Gambling Addiction Action Day. He also released a report estimating that between 1.3 and 1.4 million adults in Germany suffer from gambling addiction, with an additional 3.5 million at risk.
Noting that many cases go untreated for years, Streeck warned:
Gambling addiction remains one of the most common, yet least visible, dependencies in Germany.
The 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty will be thoroughly reviewed by the end of 2026, according to the GGL.
