Glücks spielbehörde (GGL), a new German regulator, proposes plans for a new system that requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to voluntarily block websites that are considered illegally operated in the country. did.
The GGL took over responsibility for enforcement of unauthorized gambling on 1 July, before controlling all aspects of German regulation on 1 January 2023.
Last month, the company revealed early details of its plans to take action and promised to use payments and IP address blocks to prevent unauthorized companies from betting.
In a letter to all ISPs operating in Germany, GGL does not oblige ISPs to block websites after regulators make such requests, but by doing so illegal sites States to prevent gambling in the country and provide stronger protection. To consumers.
Last week, GGL issued its first block order to lottery betting operator Lottoland, urging ISPs to block access to sites that said they had been offering illegal gambling for years. rice field.
“GGL is pursuing a collaborative approach with eye-level debate,” GGL said. “This does not mean that providers need to perform blocking’on demand’, but GGL explains the legal basis for the ISP’s obligations and previous actions against illegal gambling providers. It means that you are doing it.
“Of course, the ISP is free to decline this offer and act only within the framework of formal administrative procedures. This administrative act may be subject to judicial review.
“If the ISP does not comply with the formal request to block illegal gambling offers from the network, GGL can also impose a penalty payment based on the financial capacity of the recipient, up to € 500,000 ( £ 425,201 / $ 508,349). “
The German National Gambling Convention (Glü NeuRStv), which came into force last July, has made it possible to enforce network and IP blocking of illegal gambling websites.
GGL acknowledged that these block requests represent an infringement of the fundamental rights of providers, providers, and users. However, he said such demands do not violate European regulations on service and freedom of establishment and also meet their mission to protect consumers from the harm of gambling.
“GGL’s social mission is to combat illegal gambling to protect gamblers and minors from gambling, gambling addiction and game manipulation,” GGL said. “For this background, our research shows that these interventions are justified and therefore acceptable. They meet the proportionality requirement.
“It also takes into account relevant European regulations, especially the freedom of service and establishment, and the requirements for network neutrality, again that they are not violated by blocking illegal offers. I came to a conclusion. “
