New German national regulator promises a trifecta of plans to strengthen player protection
Data-based approach and expert insight to be used for early detection systems alongside whistleblower scheme
Glücksspielbehörde, Germany’s first-ever national regulator, recently outlined how it will approach the development of better player protection systems ready for 2023.
The regulator was created when Germany’s Fourth State Treaty came into effect in July 2021. The treaty allowed nationwide online casino gaming for the first time but brought with it several strict rules in order to help protect players.
Glücksspielbehörde board member Ronald Benter said that the new regulator would take a three-pronged approach to strengthen player protection.
Primarily, Benter explained that the regulator would be taking a “data-based evaluation” of player protection measures and further develop cross-provider standards for early detection of gambling addiction.
“Our goal is an internal evaluation system to measure the effect of the player protection measures of the treaty,” he noted.
Fellow board member Benjamin Schwanke added that the regulator would work with experts to create this early detection system.
Schwanke said: “In addition, we will approach the relevant experts and institutions in the area of provider-related early detection systems for gambling addiction because we need further development of common, cross-provider scientific standards for early detection of gambling addiction.”
Following the conclusion of its evaluation, the regulator will give feedback to the German government if any laws need updating.
The regulator also would like to set up a central complaint and whistleblowing system. Through this, citizens will be able to report “irregularities with permitted gambling providers” and suspicions of illegal gambling. Citizens can also report advertising violations.
The regulator commented: “The aim is to use an automated process to quickly initiate appropriate measures and receive automated evaluation options about the frequency of complaints on specific topics or providers.”
Lastly, Benter said that the regulator would provide bundled information on player protection and gambling and betting addiction prevention on its site. This will include transparent standards that an operator must meet to be awarded a licence.
Schwanke added that the regulator was “in talks with industry associations” about continuing the free gambling harm service that is available via the national public health hotline Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung.