The Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany’s authoritative body for gambling regulation, unveiled a fresh statement on Wednesday, highlighting its apprehensions about Malta’s Bill No. 55. Drawing its attention and those of other regulators was George Vella, Malta’s President, signing this bill earlier in the summer.
Bill No. 55 establishes new restrictions on implementing judgments against Malta-licensed betting entities. This legislative amendment feasibly defends the companies by stipulating that only Maltese courts can act on judgments. These new measures likely stem from an increasing number of gambling-related refund requests from losses made by consumers who managed to interface with these companies’ digital platforms despite gambling being illicit in their countries.
GGL’s recent communique elucidates that while this revised law safeguards Maltese gaming entities, it might not abide by the longstanding European gaming regulations. However, despite this issue, GGL assures that the ultimate decision on the matter lies with the pertinent authorities.
GGL Asserts No Need for Additional Actions
Besides, the GGL assures that it has shared its evaluation with the federation’s states. In view of this, it declares that no further measures are necessary as the country’s Federal Ministry of Justice has already initiated a dialogue with the European Commission concerning Bill No. 55. GGL further clarifies that the protection intended by Malta exclusively associates with the players’ civil claims, for which GGL is not accountable, as stated by the German gambling authority.
“Keeping an eye on the evolving situation regarding the “Bill No. 55” from Malta, we hold the view that this law might potentially contradict the European prerequisites for the acknowledgment of decisions (Regulation (EU) 1215/2002). However, it is not in GGL’s domain to make the ultimate assessment of this matter. We have briefed the federal states regarding our evaluation and additionally maintain contact with the concerned authorities,”
says a communique issued by the GGL.
In a recent development, GGL revealed a regulatory measure against the operator Tipster.de. In June, the gambling authority reached the decision that its license should be rescinded, post an in-depth examination of Tipster.de’s financial health, regulatory adherence, and operations.
In May, the Higher Administrative Court of the State of Saxony-Anhalt ratified that the GGL has the jurisdiction to impose penalties on operators intentionally pushing their illegal offerings via affiliates. At the announcement, the court recognized that the advertisement of unlicensed gambling contravenes the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling Regulation.
