Germany’s GGL and UK Gambling Commission Deepen Cooperation Against Illegal Gambling.
Germany’s gambling regulator, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL), is stepping up its cooperation with European counterparts following a meeting of gambling regulators in Halle. The discussions also resulted in a new agreement with the UK Gambling Commission to strengthen information sharing and regulatory coordination.
The European Regulators Roundtable took place on 4 November 2026, bringing together representatives from gambling authorities across Europe to discuss regulatory challenges and strengthen industry oversight.
Discussions covered illegal online gambling, cross-border enforcement and gambling advertising. Regulators also examined emerging issues such as prediction markets, alongside measures to block unauthorised gambling websites, raise public awareness and improve anti-money laundering controls.
GGL UK Gambling Commission Cooperation Agreement Takes Shape
One of the main outcomes of the meeting was a joint declaration of intent between Germany’s Joint Gambling Authority (GGL) and the UK Gambling Commission.
The GGL UK Gambling Commission cooperation agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration, particularly through the exchange of regulatory information. Both authorities aim to use the arrangement to strengthen their monitoring and enforcement activities.
The GGL highlighted the difficulties regulators face when dealing with illegal online gambling operators targeting multiple countries through websites and mobile applications. National authorities often have limited powers when investigating businesses operating beyond their jurisdictions.
To address these challenges, the two regulators plan to explore a pilot project for sharing information about illegal gambling websites. The initiative aims to improve the identification of unauthorised operators and make cross-border enforcement more effective.
GGL Calls for Stronger Legal Action Against Offshore Gambling Operators
The GGL is also pushing for changes to Germany’s domestic legal framework to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling.
The regulator wants clearer provisions in German criminal law that would enable prosecutors to pursue foreign-based gambling companies deliberately targeting players in Germany.
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According to the authority, existing legal provisions are not always sufficient to support action against these operators.
The GGL said it had renewed its request in a letter to the German government department responsible for justice policy. It also intends to continue engaging with officials to secure the proposed legal changes.
The GGL UK Gambling Commission cooperation initiative reflects broader efforts by European regulators to strengthen cross-border enforcement, improve consumer protection and address the growing challenges associated with unlicensed online gambling.
