Foreign streamers could be blocked for promoting unlicensed gambling to German audiences following a ruling by the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt.
The decision supports a previous lawsuit brought by the Joint Gaming Office of the Länder (GGL) against a well-known German streamer based abroad who streamed gaming slots without a license in Germany.
The court stated: “The use falls within the principle of territoriality under international law, since the content in German is intended for a German-speaking audience. It is therefore mainly aimed at viewers in Germany who access streaming content”.
Streaming can be used as a direct form of advertising and GGL believes this poses a particular risk to player protection.
Ronald Benter, GGL Board member, commented: “The decision has a signal effect! In the future, the GGL will take even stronger action against streamers based abroad. This is required in particular by the protection of players and minors due to the special dangers that are imminent with streaming”.
GGL is conducting research into the impact of gambling advertising on the public, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
The study will focus on the impact of various advertising formats, including television spots, social media advertising, customer bonuses and discounts, on vulnerable groups.
Since July, GGL has been operating under a new chairman, Reiner Moser, Minister of the Bundesland of Baden-Württemberg.
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