Germany Tightens Gambling Laws with New Draft Treaty by Year's End
Germany is moving closer to stricter gambling regulations with a new draft treaty. The updated rules aim to improve oversight and crack down on illegal activities in the sector. All 16 federal states were originally part of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling, which sought to unify gambling laws nationwide.
The Second State Treaty amending the 2021 agreement is set to be signed before the end of the year. The draft expands the powers of gambling regulators, allowing them to request data from national law enforcement, including the BKA and financial authorities. They will also have access to information from foreign police to tackle money laundering, fraud, and illegal gambling operations.
The revisions strengthen cooperation between German states and international bodies. A key focus is gathering reliable data on individuals working in the gambling industry. The treaty also updates rules on network blocking (IP blocking) to ensure legal compliance when targeting illegal gambling sites. Once signed, the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior, Sports, and Digitalization will draft a ratification law for the state parliament. This step is necessary before the new regulations can take full effect.
The updated treaty will give regulators broader investigative powers and improve cross-border collaboration. The changes are designed to tighten controls on gambling activities and reduce financial crimes. Final approval by the state parliament will determine when the new rules come into force.
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