GGL Meets State Coordinators For Insights In Gambling Harm Prevention

Summary:

• GGL hosted a meeting of state coordinators from all 16 federal states on September 5 in Halle
• The participants shared their experiences on gambling harm prevention and player protection
• GGL hailed the event as a success as it provided them with important insights on prevention

Germany’s 16 federal states recently took part in a meeting that tackled their individual experiences and the challenges they have encountered in the area of gambling harm prevention since the GlüNeuRStv online gambling regime came into effect on July 1, 2021 for online casinos.

Hosted by German gambling regulator Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the convention took place on September 5 in Halle and was participated in by the state coordinators of each federal state.

Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Harm Prevention

According to GGL, the main goal of the meeting was to create a common understanding as to the tasks that must be undertaken by all federal states in terms of protecting European casino players and preventing harm.

Additionally, the event is aimed at bolstering cooperation among public health institutions across the country in addressing gambling-related issues. State coordinators play a vital role in preventing and minimizing harm as they serve as the central interface for addiction prevention, treatment, and research in each federal state, GGL noted.

Views and feedback obtained from the joint meeting will help inform the implementation of player protection measures, as GGL remains committed to its role as Germany’s gambling authority. The agency took charge of the country’s gambling market on January 1, 2023, with safer gambling among its top priorities.

Ronald Benter, GGL Co-President, said the meeting gave the agency important insights for future collaboration on player protection and harm prevention. The meeting concluded successfully and all parties are looking forward to making it a regular event. He added that they already held a board meeting on this matter last year.

Hosting the meeting is part of GGL’s role as a “central contact point” for any queries related to online gambling, including customer protection, market developments and trends, prevention, and other certain aspects of the rapidly growing online gambling industry. GGL Co-President Benjamin Schwanke recognizes the importance of hosting such meetings, saying they provide invaluable insights for their work as gambling regulator.

GGL: Dr. Hayer Met All Requirements

In other developments, GGL has responded to questions from the media regarding the tender process of its player protection evaluation study. It defended the appointment of Dr. Tobias Hayer from the University of Bremen as lead of the study, saying he met all requirements.