The German Online Casino Association (DOCV) has dismissed claims made by a leading gambling market data provider, Global Gambling Market (GGL), that the black market is thriving in the country. The DOCV, which represents licensed online casinos in Germany, has instead warned that the review of German gambling regulations faces delays due to misinformation and inaccurate data.
In a recent report, GGL alleged that the black market for online gambling in Germany is growing rapidly, with unlicensed operators taking advantage of loopholes in the current regulatory framework. The report claimed that the black market is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s total gambling revenue, and called for stricter regulations to combat illicit gambling activities.
However, the DOCV has refuted these claims, stating that GGL’s data is unreliable and misleading. According to the association, licensed online casinos in Germany are subject to strict regulations and oversight, and are committed to upholding the highest standards of player protection and responsible gambling. The DOCV also pointed out that the majority of Germans prefer to gamble with licensed operators, and that the black market represents only a small fraction of the overall gambling market in the country.
Despite the DOCV’s assurances, the German government has expressed concerns about the state of the country’s gambling regulations and has launched a review of the current framework. The review was initially scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, but according to the DOCV, delays caused by misinformation and inaccurate data could prolong the process.
The DOCV has called on the government to conduct a thorough and impartial review of the German gambling regulations, taking into account the input of all stakeholders, including licensed operators, consumer advocacy groups, and regulatory bodies. The association has also urged the government to consider the potential impact of any new regulations on the country’s economy and the future of the licensed online gambling industry.
In the meantime, the DOCV is continuing to work closely with regulators to ensure that licensed online casinos in Germany operate in a responsible and transparent manner. The association remains committed to supporting evidence-based policies that promote consumer protection and combat illegal gambling activities, while also maintaining a level playing field for all operators in the market.
Overall, the DOCV’s dismissal of GGL’s black market data and warning of delays in the review of German gambling regulations highlight the complexity and challenges facing the industry. As the debate over online gambling regulation in Germany continues, it is clear that a balanced and informed approach is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the market.