German Court Bans Foreign Unauthorized Gambling Ads

The Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany has upheld a decision to ban unauthorized gambling ads from foreign streams. The German States’ Joint Gambling Authority brought the decision to light and it marks a major step forward in the battle to apply German gambling laws on a global scale.

The Court’s Decisions, Explained

According to the court, GGL’s actions are justified by the territorial principle of international law. The content is produced in German and targets German-speaking audience that primarily resides in Germany.

However, the court noted that hazard prevention by the GGL must be swift and effective. Instead of targeting the streaming platforms, the court noted that GGL should “address the issue at the source” and as such, target the streamers that promote the illegal content.

GGL’s chairman, Ronald Benter, saluted the decision and stated that “the ruling sends a powerful message.” He doubled down by saying that by intensifying the efforts against illegal gambling streaming, the youth population will also be protected.

The Ban Aligns With European Laws

The court noted that the ban aligns with European legal standards by saying that these actions are justified as they protect the public, youth and prevent potential gambling addiction. While emphasizing on protecting the youth, the court used a 2022 report by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

According to the report, 36% of people aged 17 to 18 years old are exposed and influenced by illegal gambling ads via streams. That number is higher for youth between the age of 11 and 16 – 47%. That’s one of the main reasons why GGL prohibits licensed operators from promoting gambling via streams.

By banning these ads, authorities aim to reduce the exposure that young people have to gambling and as such, minimize the risk of them participating in such activities in the future and potentially be victims of gambling addiction.