Streamers in Germany: No advertising for illegal casinos allowed

The Supreme Court of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany has made an important ruling regarding streamers and online gambling. Streamers regardless of whether they live in the country or not are now prohibited from advertising illegal online casinos.

This ruling stems from a lawsuit between the German Gaming Commission the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) and a streamer. He was promoting online casinos that were not licensed in Germany. The streamer was living abroad and had received a ban from the GGL. He did not agree with this, after which he filed summary proceedings to try to get out of the rules.

The Supreme Court supported the GGL and upheld the legality of the ban. The judge emphasized that the streamer’s content was aimed at German-speaking countries and therefore had an advertising effect on Germany.

Protection of players and minors

The GGL welcomes the court’s ruling and emphasizes the importance of protecting players. Especially minors from the dangers of illegal online casinos.

“The decision sends an important signal,” said Ronald Benter, chairman of the GGL. He also says that he will take even tougher action in the future against streamers who advertise for illegal operators. 

“This is especially necessary for the protection of players and minors due to the special dangers inherent in streaming.”

The GGL has long had a strict policy regarding online gambling. Last year, the Supreme Court of Saxony-Anhalt ruled that the GGL’s tightened advertising rules were permissible. In 2023, the GGL also banned license holders in Germany from advertising their online casinos via streamers.