Germany’s gambling regulator, the GGL, and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have signed a declaration to strengthen cooperation against illegal online gambling. The agreement was reached during the European Regulators Roundtable in Halle, Germany, on 4 November 2026, and the GGL announced it the following day.
The initiative could improve identification of unlicensed websites across borders, but no joint enforcement programme has begun.
The GGL and UKGC signed a declaration of intent following a European regulators’ meeting on 4 November.
Both authorities plan to explore more structured information sharing about illegal online gambling.
A pilot project for exchanging information on unlicensed websites is under consideration, not yet operational.
Advertising rules, prediction markets, website blocking and anti-money laundering were among the broader roundtable discussions.
The GGL is also seeking clarification of German criminal law concerning offshore gambling operators targeting local customers.
According to the GGL’s official announcement, representatives of European gambling regulators met in Halle to discuss shared regulatory challenges. Illegal online gambling was a central concern because websites and apps can reach consumers internationally while authorities generally enforce rules within their own jurisdictions.
The declaration between the German and British authorities establishes an initial basis for more structured exchanges. One longer-term option is a pilot project through which the regulators could share information about illegal gambling websites.
The GGL said:
The declaration of intent with the British Gambling Commission provides an initial framework for exploring deeper information exchange.
The announcement does not specify when such a pilot might begin or whether it will establish new enforcement powers.
The wider roundtable also covered gambling advertising, prediction markets, website blocking, public awareness and anti-money laundering obligations.
The discussions reflect the challenges of gambling services and marketing crossing borders. However, the GGL did not announce joint policy changes or new licensing requirements covering these subjects.
The agreement follows other European efforts to coordinate oversight. Ace Alliance previously reported on the GGL’s calls for more flexible German gambling rules and the UKGC’s new research into illegal gambling participation.
Separately, the GGL wants Germany to clarify Section 284 of its Criminal Code so that prosecutors can more effectively pursue overseas operators deliberately targeting German consumers.
The regulator has raised the issue with the Federal Ministry of Justice and intends to follow up. This remains a proposed legal clarification, not an enacted amendment.
For operators, affiliates and suppliers, information sharing could increase scrutiny of unlicensed networks. Recent Dutch enforcement action against casino supplier Endorphina illustrates how regulators are also examining the businesses supporting unauthorised platforms.
The immediate outcome, however, is a cooperation framework. Its operational impact will depend on whether authorities establish practical information-sharing arrangements and follow up with enforcement measures.
