Germany Bans Gambling Ads Via Streamers To Protect Minors

In the ever-evolving landscape of online entertainment, Germany has drawn a firm line in the sand. The Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the country’s joint gambling authority, has declared war on gambling advertising via live streamers. This bold move aims to protect minors and vulnerable players from the allure of online gambling, a realm where the digital and emotional stakes are high.

A Game-Changing Announcement

On 17 July, the GGL made a groundbreaking announcement: even licensed gambling providers are now prohibited from regularly advertising through streamers. This new rule, part of the GGL’s robust player protection guidelines, is designed to curb the growing influence of gambling ads in the streaming world. It follows a significant ruling from Germany’s Higher Administrative Court on 11 July, which upheld the GGL’s ban on foreign streamers advertising illegal German gambling sites.

The court battle that brought this issue to the forefront involved a popular German streamer using Stake.com-owned Kick. This platform emerged as a haven for gambling streams after Twitch’s 2021 ban on slot streaming. The streamer fought against the GGL’s prohibition, arguing for the freedom to advertise. However, the court sided with the GGL, emphasizing that any content aimed at German speakers falls under Germany’s regulatory purview.

This decision isn’t an isolated incident. It echoes past rulings where streamers faced hefty fines for promoting illegal gambling sites. Take, for instance, Ron Bielecki, a YouTuber and streamer fined €480,000 in 2023 for his promotional activities on Twitch. These cases underscore the GGL’s resolve to enforce its regulations and protect its citizens from unregulated gambling.

What makes gambling streams so enticing yet dangerous? According to the GGL, it’s the emotional portrayal of gambling. Streaming brings the highs and lows of gambling into viewers’ homes, making it feel like an everyday activity. This emotional connection is particularly perilous for minors, who might not fully grasp the risks involved.

Data from Great Britain highlights the issue’s severity. In 2022, the GB Gambling Commission reported that up to 36% of 17- to 18-year-olds and 47% of 11- to 16-year-olds encountered gambling streams as their main form of gambling advertising. Such statistics underline the urgent need for strict regulations.

Twitch, a major player in the streaming world, responded to this challenge by banning unregulated gambling sites in October 2022. The platform’s updated rules prohibit streaming sites featuring slots, roulette, and dice games unless licensed in jurisdictions with robust consumer protections.

A Landmark Ruling’s Ripple Effect

The recent court ruling has sent shockwaves through the streaming and gambling industries. Ronald Benter, a GGL board member, remarked that this decision sets a precedent for more stringent actions against foreign streamers. Protecting players and minors is paramount, given the unique risks associated with streaming.

The German casino trade body, Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV), hailed the ruling and the GGL’s increased compliance measures as a significant victory. They believe it will deter foreign streaming services from targeting the German market. However, the DOCV also acknowledges the challenge of monitoring millions of daily streams, raising questions about the feasibility of comprehensive enforcement.

Despite these regulatory victories, Germany’s battle against the black market continues. The DOCV has been vocal about the persistent issues with unregulated gambling activities. The GGL’s efforts to block illegal operators have faced numerous legal hurdles, including setbacks in enforcing IP blocking rules earlier this year.

Germany’s crackdown on gambling advertising via streamers marks a new chapter in its regulatory saga. The GGL’s decisive actions and the court’s support signify a robust framework aimed at shielding minors and at-risk players from the pitfalls of online gambling. However, the complexities of the digital age mean that this battle is far from over.

Source:

”German regulator bans gambling licensing from advertising via streamers”, igamingbusiness.com, July 22, 2024.