The dialogue between politics, regulators, science, prevention and providers in Germany will be the focus of the Deutscher Glücksspielkongress on 26 and 27 June 2024 in Berlin. The first half of the year offers interesting facets in many segments of gambling, which we would like to discuss with you. The following key topics are planned:
1. When illegality becomes the norm
Hardly a day goes by without the German media reporting on cases of illegal gambling. Illegal offers do not only exist in the terrestrial sector, but also in the virtual sector. Are legal offers attractive enough to prevent players from switching into illegal forms of gambling? Is it true that illegal gambling is growing massively? What can or should politicians do to counteract this?
2. Gambling enjoyment and player protection – How can canalisation succeed?
Terrestrial gaming operators in gambling, arcades and restaurants are waiting for am amendment to the Gambling Ordinance by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. This will then also require the approval of the 16 federal states in the Bundesrat. These will be exciting discussions. Will there be qualitative easing in order to better compete with illegal offers or will the level of protection for vulnerable players be tightened? An evaluation study has shown the strengths and weaknesses of the current regulation. What are the consequences?
3. Loot boxes – protection of children and minors in digital games
Should loot boxes be classified as gambling in Germany, as they are in Belgium and the Netherlands? A comprehensive scientific study by the University of Graz has highlighted the dangers for children and young people. There are striking parallels to pathological gambling behaviour.
Have politicians responded sufficiently, or do they need to break new ground? There are proposals are on the table. There is also a first parliamentary initiative from a federal state. How do these providers behave? These are just two of the many questions that will be discussed.
4. Gaming market – Quo Vadis?
The first evaluation report on the Inter-State Gambling Treaty is expected to be published in the first half of 2024. It is eagerly awaited. Where will the future take us, for example in terms of advertising? More liberalisation of virtual slot machines and sports betting or more restrictions, as called for by the Bremen Senator of the Interior or the Federal Government Commissioner for Drugs and Addiction?
The discussion about real virtual casino games also remains exciting. The federal states have reserved this option for themselves in the State Treaty on Gambling. Some states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Thuringia have already positioned themselves and want to exploit this segment. However, many questions remain unanswered. A working group of the „willing“ states is drawing up proposals.
These are the current thematic blocks, which can be expanded depending on the current situation. We will gradually provide more detailed information on the individual blocks.
