New Seal of Approval for Gambling

June 26, 2023 | Gambling

Germany (June 23, 2023) — Even after the nationwide release of online gambling, there are numerous illegal and dubious providers. According to SPIEGEL information, an authority now wants to give players orientation with a new label.

In the fight against illegal online gambling, according to SPIEGEL information, an official “test and permit seal” for permitted offers is being introduced. The joint gaming authority of the federal states wants to establish a corresponding labeling in the coming weeks, according to official circles .

From July 1, 2023, providers should be able to prove that they have a state license and that they comply with the requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling on player protection. Players, on the other hand, should be able to recognize legal offers more easily in the future.

Gambling in Germany is only permitted under state supervision and control. Approved providers of casino games or sports betting on the Internet must already indicate on their homepage that they have permission. For players, however, this is often difficult to see. With the help of the seal, legal and illegal portals should be distinguishable from one another at a glance. It should be awarded through the associations in which the legal providers are organized.

Until July 2021, online gambling was banned in Germany with the exception of Schleswig-Holstein because of its addictive potential. The illegal supply was nevertheless large and uncontrollable. Online gambling was then generally permitted nationwide by state treaty, and providers can apply for concessions.

The gaming authority based in Halle an der Saale has been monitoring and regulating the market since the beginning of the year and keeps a list of legal providers. The authority has already identified hundreds of violations of regulations. In addition to illegal offers, this also includes prohibited advertising or inconspicuous warnings about the dangers of addiction.