German Gambling Regulator Asks ISPs to Block Illegal iGaming Websites

Germany’s new gambling regulator, Glücksspielbehörde (GGL), has asked local internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to unlicensed international gambling websites that are currently targeting the German market.

The GGL has made its stance clear on the subject of illegal gambling websites. Just last week, the regulator black listed unlicensed provider Lottoland and asked local ISPs to block access to the site within Germany.

As the GGL does not assume full control of the German market until 2023, the regulator can only request that ISPs block illegal sites. However, it did note that in 2023, any ISP that is not complying with the GGL’s requests could themselves face penalties in the form of fines.

In its statement, the GGL has said that it hopes that in the future, ISPs can make these decisions by themselves once an illegal gambling site has been identified without waiting for the regulator’s approval.