German watchdogs issue an anti-gambling ads missive

Broadcasting regulators in Germany have urged TV and radio stations not to run online casino operators’ advertisements.

Germany.- Gambling advertising is always a major concern for governments worldwide and German authorities have decided to tackle the issue. The local broadcasting regulator issued several letters to TV and radio stations to urge them not to run promotional spots for iGaming operators as “it’s not allowed under current legislation.”

According to deputy director and legal advisor at the Media Authority of Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (MA HSH) Wolfgang Bauchrowitz, the letter sent on February 25 seems to have impacted the way they planned. He explained the number of advertisements has “significantly decreased” over the last few days, with a few broadcasters set to comply in the short term after “administrative means” are applied.

The clampdown on advertising comes after online casino licences issued by the Schleswig-Holstein government expired. iGaming operators with licences continued to advertise their products using the state’s coat of arms, which pushed the watchdogs to issue the warning letter to broadcasters.