German regulator classifies daily fantasy sports as illegal gambling

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 8:01 PM
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  • Marese O'Hagan, iGaming Business

German regulator Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) has classified “certain forms” of daily fantasy sports (DFS) as illegal gambling in Germany. The classification occurred after GGL reviewed several forms of DFS, and concluded at a hearing that they could be classified as illegal gambling.

The regulator referred to Germany’s Fourth State Treaty on Gambling, which iterates that gambling must only be operated with the strict permission of the GGL.

GGL said that a “well-known” DFS provider ceased to operate in Germany after the hearing occured.

Ronald Benter, GGL board member said that the decision had been made to protect German players from addiction and illegal gambling offerings.