The German Joint Federal States Gambling Authority (GGL) has entered a new leadership cycle with Christian Hochgrebe took as chairman of its Administrative Council on July 1. His appointment follows the regulator’s annual rotation system, replaces Sandro Kirchnerwho held that position in the previous period.
The structure reflects Germany’s federal approach to gambling supervision, where regulatory authority remains with the Länder and not with the central government. This rotating leadership is intended to ensure strategic direction remains in line with regional political representation.
Kirchner’s term ends after a year the regulator focused on strengthening internal systems and supervisory capacity. He noted progress in staffing activities, digital development, and enforcement, particularly targeting unlicensed gambling operators.
“Measures against illegal gambling are intensifying, in particular regarding the use of hosting providers and payment blocking,” Kirchner said.
He also mentioned adjustments in the legal market framework designed to increase the attractiveness of licensed offerings and support distribution from overseas operators.
Treaty Review Becomes Main Focus
Hochgrebe takes the helm at a time when GGL is preparing a statutory evaluation of the German Inter-State Agreement on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). This review is the first full assessment of the regulatory framework since its introduction in 2021.
Evaluation is expected to examine core policy areas including advertising restrictions, deposit limits, consumer protection obligations and responsible gambling acts more broadly. These elements will be assessed to determine whether they remain effective in current market conditions.
However, the review is not expected to reopen some of the treaty’s fundamental limitations. The €1 betting limit for online slot games, along with other structural restrictions on product design in regulated online markets, is expected to remain in place.
Industry observers see this process as one of the most significant regulatory assessments in Europe, given its potential impact on market structure and compliance requirements.
Law Enforcement and Market Structure Remain Top Priorities
Simultaneously with the review of the agreement, regulators continue to prioritize enforcement against illegal gambling operations. Actions taken are increasingly focused on disruptions at the infrastructure level, including payment services and hosting providers supporting unlicensed platforms.
Kirchner described this approach as part of a broader effort to strengthen regulatory controls.
“Measures against illegal gambling are intensifying, in particular regarding the use of hosting providers and payment blocking,” he said.
At the same time, GGL has attempted to adjust to regulated market conditions in an effort to increase competitiveness against offshore operators. These adjustments are intended to support distribution, a long-standing challenge in Germany’s gambling system.
Hochgrebe indicated that law enforcement and oversight would remain paramount under his leadership. He highlighted reviewing the agreement and eradicating illegal markets as key priorities for next year.
“In the future, it is important to actively shape and review current developments and existing structures,” he said as he added that “war against illegal buildings” remains the main focus.
Political Attention Increases Ahead of Evaluation
The upcoming review has also attracted the attention of political stakeholders, including members of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Their interest adds further scrutiny to a process that is expected to shape the direction of German gambling policy in the years to come.
Although the regulatory framework remains stable in its structure, many questions remain around its effectiveness in balancing consumer protection with market competitiveness. This tension is expected to be prominent in the evaluation process.
As reported by SBC News, citing official PR, GGL board member Ronald Benter said the regulator remains well positioned to manage the transition to this review phase, citing continued cooperation with states and institutional stability.
“Our cooperation with the federal states to date has been based on mutual trust and support,” he said, adding that the organization “well prepared for a challenging year.”
With a change in leadership and a review of the agreement looming, Germany’s gambling regulator is entering a period of continuous supervision. The results of the 2021 GlüStV evaluation will determine whether adjustments are made to advertising rules, deposit limits and consumer protection frameworks, while core structural restrictions are not expected to change.
For GGL, the coming year is positioned as a decisive phase in shaping the next stage of the regulated gambling market in Germany.
