New gambling authority in Halle posts website online

The new joint gambling authority of the federal states (GGL) in USA is progressing. In the meantime, the authority’s website has gone online. The authority based in Halle (Saxony) was founded specifically to take on a cross-border function in monitoring for the online gambling market. Only in July 2021 is the new one in USA Gambling State Treaty came into force. From July 2023, the GGL would like to act legally against unauthorized offers and advertising. Finally, the tasks of the federal states are to be taken over in the new year. However, criticism of the authority has been raised due to the hesitant allocation of the licenses.

Website should provide transparency

With the website, according to a press release, GGL pursues the goal of more transparency regarding the work of the authority. Therefore, the goals, tasks and procedures for outsiders should be explained. The technical and legal framework of the online gambling should also be discussed. “This makes a wide range of information on the topics of the Gaming State Treaty for the general public and the work of the GGL experiences a visible and transparent presentation,” says the agency. However, it is opened that the operational activity only begins on January 1, 2023 and therefore the gambling supervisors of the federal states are still responsible for the regulation.

Problems when the licenses are awarded

A new step was taken from the GGL with the website, but the process to the operational business continues. According to a media report by the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the awarding of the licenses for virtual gambling and Online-Poker. So far there have been 65 applications in both areas, which have not yet been answered. The applications are said to have been received last July. “No permits have yet been issued or applications were rejected because the processing continues,” says the GGL. When exactly a licensing will be granted, this cannot yet be mentioned. In finding by employees, there should be problems with the GGL, which is why further places will be advertised in the coming weeks. At the beginning of January, a GGL spokeswoman announced that there were currently only twelve employees. The number is to be increased to 110 by 2023.

Meanwhile, the gambling companies reacted disappointed with the previous work of the GGL. They would have followed the new regulations and modified the game offer accordingly. In contrast, “illegal casinos” can spread further on the market. A gambling manager in particular complained about the lack of persecution pressure and openly put it open that the “champagne corks pop” with these casinos. Among other things, the Gauselmann Group, Novomatic, but also the lottery companies from Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Schleswig Holstein, are currently said to have applied for a license for a license.

Limit for players

In addition to monitoring the providers, it is also the task of the authority to ensure that the player is observed. From now on, this is 1000 $ per month. A central file should enable inquiries whether the cross -supplier deposit limit has been exceeded. If this is the case, the deposit must be rejected by the provider. The authority should also be able to prohibit payments or withdrawals. Test purchases or test games can also be made.