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After boasting of success in forcing some payment providers to terminate relations with the business, the German federal regulator die Glücksspielbehörde announced it would increase pressure on internet service providers to block lottery betting site Lottoland.
The regulator, which took over enforcement of German anti-unlicensed internet gambling rules in July, stated that it had succeeded in getting several payment providers to stop dealing with Lottoland.
Lottoland had received the Glücksspielbehörde's first payment and IP blocking orders, which the regulator stated were issued because lottery betting is unlawful under Germany's Fourth State Treaty on Gambling. It noted at the time that it considered the vertical as especially dangerous because players could mistake a lottery betting operator for a genuine lottery.
The commission has now stated that it will increase pressure on internet service providers to likewise block Lottoland. It may levy "substantial" penalties on internet service providers who fail to comply.
“Raising awareness among Internet service providers is extremely important. Providers who fail to prevent access to unauthorised offers despite the GGL’s order face the threat of severe penalty payments,” said board member Ronald Benter.
The authority further stated that, in addition to payment and website blocking, it may take additional action against unauthorised sites by reporting operators to tax offices, where they may be punished for failing to pay taxes.
Soon after issuing the initial injunction against Lottoland, the regulator proposed a new approach in which it would ask internet service providers (ISPs) to voluntarily block websites that it believes are operating illegally in the country.
Tipico, the betting behemoth, became the latest company to be approved to sell online slots in Germany earlier today.
By fLEXI tEAM