The new federal gambling regulator Glücksspielbehörde (GGL) has proposed a voluntary system under which it would ask internet service providers (ISPs) to voluntarily block unlicensed gambling websites. The proposal comes after the GGL took its first enforcement action last week by ordering IP blocks against Lottoland.
The GGL is due to officially begin its full capacity as Germany’s new federal gambling regulator from January 1, but it began its enforcement action against unlicensed gambling this month.
It revealed that IP blocking would be one of the tools in its arsenal and has already ordered blocks against Lottoland’s www.lottoland.com, www.lottohelden.de and www.lottohelden.com.
The GGL has the power to impose penalties against internet providers who do not comply with its IP blocking orders. However, it’s now proposed that ISPs voluntarily block unlicensed sites without waiting for a formal order subjecting them to a legal obligation.
It’s sent a letter to all ISPs that operate in Germany in which it says that they could help protect consumers by preventing illegal sites from offering gambling before being subject to an order.
The regulator noted that if an ISP fails to comply with a formal blocking order, it can impose a fine of up to €500,000. The GGL insists that while IP blocking encroaches on users’ and providers’ rights, they do not breach any European regulations.
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