GGL warns of illegal gambling risks for young people

The issue of illegal online gambling has become an increasingly pressing concern in Germany and across Europe. Despite national regulations and strict licensing requirements, unauthorized platforms continue to attract players, particularly younger individuals who are often less aware of the dangers involved. On the occasion of the Gambling Addiction Action Day held on September 24, 2025, the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States (GGL) issued a public warning highlighting the severe risks posed by these illegal gambling providers.

The authority emphasized that without proper regulatory oversight, such platforms lack crucial safeguards designed to prevent addiction, protect minors, and ensure fair gaming practices. These warnings come at a time when digital gambling markets are expanding rapidly, often outpacing the capacity of regulators to monitor illicit activity.

The official warning from GGL

In its public address, the GGL made clear that illegal gambling operators not only target German players but also do so without providing essential protective measures. Such measures include age verification systems, deposit limits, and the implementation of blocking tools that allow vulnerable individuals to exclude themselves from play.

“Anyone who plays illegally plays without protection. Illegal platforms do not offer effective player protection mechanisms. Anyone who plays there runs a significant risk of developing a gambling addiction,” stated Ronald Benter, CEO of GGL.

This direct message reflects the authority’s growing concern that unregulated platforms expose players to greater harm while undermining the efforts of legal, licensed operators who are required to comply with Germany’s strict gambling laws.

Why illegal gambling poses unique dangers

Absence of protective measures

Licensed operators in Germany must follow the State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), which includes provisions on responsible gaming. These include age verification to prevent minors from participating, strict deposit and stake limits, and technical tools that allow players to block themselves if gambling becomes problematic.

Illegal platforms, in contrast, are not bound by these obligations. This absence creates an environment where individuals, particularly younger audiences, can gamble without restrictions, increasing the likelihood of excessive play and eventual dependency.

Targeting vulnerable groups

Research suggests that younger individuals are particularly susceptible to gambling-related harm due to a combination of curiosity, inexperience, and a stronger attraction to the digital platforms that often host such illicit games. The rise of mobile gambling applications and easy online payment systems has made access to these services even easier.

By failing to implement protective mechanisms, illegal providers effectively increase the risk of harm to those who may not yet fully understand the long-term consequences of uncontrolled gambling behavior.

Higher risk of fraud and manipulation

Beyond addiction risks, unlicensed platforms may not guarantee fair play. There is no oversight to ensure that games are transparent or that winnings are paid out reliably. Players engaging with such sites risk losing money not only due to gambling outcomes but also because of fraudulent practices that cannot be legally challenged in Germany’s courts.

GGL’s three pillars of prevention

The GGL’s work is centered around a tripartite strategy designed to safeguard players and maintain integrity in the gambling market. According to the authority, its focus lies in three main areas:

Information and education: The authority regularly informs the public about the dangers of illegal gambling and promotes awareness of existing protective tools. Campaigns are particularly directed toward younger players and their families, with the aim of preventing harmful behavior before it develops.

Combating illegal offers: The GGL actively pursues unlicensed platforms that target German players. This includes cooperation with international regulators, internet service providers, and financial institutions to restrict access to unlawful sites.

Control of legal providers: Even licensed operators are continuously monitored to ensure compliance with German law. This oversight helps guarantee that rules on deposit limits, advertising restrictions, and player protection mechanisms are consistently applied.

“The task of the GGL is to consistently enforce the legal requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling with regard to player protection for permitted providers,” explained the authority.

Sports betting as a growing sector

In recent years, sports betting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the gambling industry in Germany. This trend has been accompanied by increased advertising campaigns and the expansion of online platforms offering real-time betting options.

“Sports betting is a growing market; consistent oversight of legal providers, along with combating illegal betting services, is important to protect players and ensure legal certainty in the market,” said Sebastian Buchholz, head of the Licensing and Supervision of Legal Gambling department at GGL.

His statement underscores the dual responsibility of regulators: to ensure that legal providers maintain high standards of consumer protection, while simultaneously shutting down or restricting illegal operators that threaten both players and the regulated market.

Understanding the nature of gambling addiction

How addiction develops

Gambling addiction is a condition that often develops gradually. It begins with recreational play, which for some individuals escalates into problematic behavior. Early warning signs can include increasing bets, chasing losses, borrowing money to continue gambling, and social withdrawal.

Over time, gambling can shift from being a form of entertainment into a compulsive activity that undermines financial stability, family relationships, and overall mental health.

Warning signs to watch for

The GGL emphasized that anyone who notices troubling behavior should seek help as soon as possible. These signs include:

• A need to gamble with increasingly higher amounts of money
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down on gambling
• Using gambling as an escape from stress or problems
• Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Secrecy or lying about the extent of gambling activity

Support systems available

Germany has several organizations and hotlines that provide confidential assistance to individuals struggling with gambling addiction. These include counseling services, rehabilitation programs, and support groups for affected individuals and their families.

By highlighting these resources, the GGL aims to ensure that players are not only warned about the dangers but also informed about pathways to recovery if they find themselves in difficulty.

Broader social and economic implications

Economic costs

Illegal gambling not only poses personal risks to players but also has broader consequences for society. The lack of regulation means that tax revenues, which could be used for social projects, healthcare, and addiction prevention, are lost. Estimates suggest that illegal platforms deprive the state of significant financial resources annually.

Undermining the legal market

Illegal providers also undermine the legitimacy of licensed operators. By offering games without restrictions or limits, they may appear more attractive to players, creating unfair competition. This dynamic threatens to destabilize the carefully regulated legal market designed to balance economic interests with social responsibility.

Protecting young people

Perhaps the most pressing concern remains the protection of young people. Adolescents and young adults are at greater risk of developing gambling-related problems, partly due to their familiarity with online gaming environments. Preventing their exposure to illegal gambling services is therefore central to the GGL’s mission.

Conclusion

The warning issued by the Joint Gambling Authority of the German States during Gambling Addiction Action Day reflects an urgent need for awareness and prevention. Illegal online gambling remains a significant threat, particularly for younger individuals who may not recognize the risks until it is too late.

Through a combination of education, strict oversight, and legal enforcement, the GGL seeks to mitigate these dangers while maintaining a fair and transparent gambling market in Germany. As gambling continues to evolve in the digital era, vigilance and cooperation between regulators, providers, and players themselves will be essential to ensure that protection remains at the forefront of the industry.

FAQs

What is the role of the GGL in Germany?
The GGL is the central regulatory authority responsible for overseeing gambling in Germany, ensuring that providers comply with the State Treaty on Gambling.

Why is illegal gambling considered more dangerous than legal gambling?
Illegal platforms lack protective mechanisms such as age verification, deposit limits, and blocking tools, making them riskier for players.

How does illegal gambling affect young people in particular?
Young people are more vulnerable to addiction due to curiosity, digital familiarity, and less awareness of long-term consequences.

What measures do licensed gambling providers in Germany have to follow?
They must implement age verification, deposit and stake limits, advertising restrictions, and responsible gambling tools.

How does the GGL combat illegal gambling?
The authority works with regulators, internet service providers, and banks to block illegal websites and restrict financial transactions.

Is sports betting legal in Germany?
Yes, but only with licensed operators who comply with the State Treaty on Gambling.

What should someone do if they suspect they have a gambling problem?
They should seek professional help early, such as contacting counseling services or gambling addiction hotlines.

What are the early signs of gambling addiction?
Increasing bets, secrecy, using gambling to escape problems, and neglecting responsibilities are among the warning signs.

How does illegal gambling impact the economy?
It deprives the state of tax revenue and undermines the legal market by creating unfair competition.

What resources are available for gambling addiction in Germany?
Germany offers counseling, rehabilitation, and confidential hotlines for individuals and families affected by gambling.