What the regulator is asking for
The GGL enforces the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), which is written and amended by Germany's 16 federal states. Any change requires agreement among all of them and ratification in each state parliament.
GGL board member Ronald Benter said this process is too slow to respond to new technology, new payment routes and changes in how unlicensed operators structure their businesses. He proposed that the GGL be given discretion to decide new enforcement measures itself, overseen by its Administrative Board, on which the states are represented.
He also urged prosecutors to take action against offshore operators offering gambling in Germany without a German licence. The proposal is being raised as part of the formal evaluation of the GlüStV 2021.
What this means for players
Only operators on the GGL's official whitelist are permitted to offer online gambling in Germany. Operators holding only an offshore licence are not authorised to serve players in Germany. The IRLG Germany page lists operators from the GGL whitelist.
Sources
- Interview with GGL board member Ronald Benter — Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, September 2026
- GGL seeks faster powers against illegal gambling — The iGaming EU, 23 September 2026