In order to evaluate the implementation of the extensive requirements set out in the Interstate Gambling Treaty 2021, in particular in the area of player protection in online gambling, in July 2023 the German Gaming Authority (GGL) awarded the study “Protection of Internet Players: Evaluation of the Measures of the Interstate Gambling Treaty 2021” to the University of Bremen. The study is conducted under the direction of Dr. Tobias Hayer, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research.
In order to cover the entire spectrum of scientific discourse, the study will be accompanied by an independent panel of experts. For this purpose, the GGL board of directors managed to convince well-known scientists and experts from gambling research and administration. The expert group is made up of:
- Prof. Dr. Ihno Gebhardt (Chairman of the expert group)
Brandenburg Police University/ Chair of Law and Operational Sciences - Prof. Dr. Gerhard Bühringer
TU Dresden/ Head of the Employee Behavior, Risk Analysis and Risk Management working group - Prof. Dr. Pure Hanewinkel
IFT-Nord (Institute for Health Therapy and Research, non-profit GmbH)/ Director of the Institute - Dietrich Hellge-Antoni
Ministry of Labour, Health, Social Affairs, Family and Integration, Department of Drugs and Addiction (abbreviated to Social Authority), Hamburg / Head of the Department of Strategic Orientation for Drug and Addiction Assistance/Prevention of Addictions
From November 2023 the expert group will exchange views with the study management and the GGL Management Board on key issues relating to the study design and provide further impetus to the methodological approach. Among other things, the focus is on sampling, the design of measurement instruments, classification of results and fundamental questions about the opportunities and limitations of the research project. The main task of the expert group is to provide scientific support to the study and to cover the entire spectrum of scientific discourse.
The assessments and recommendations of the expert group, which were drawn up by February, were taken over by the study leaders at the University of Bremen and must be implemented. The GGL will work closely with the Länder on the partial reports and further evaluations of the expert group.
Information about the study “Protection of Internet Players: Evaluation of the Measures of the 2021 Interstate Gambling Treaty”
The objective of the study is to record compliance with the requirements of the Interstate Gambling Treaty, in particular regarding the protection of players. These are both general requirements and gambling form requirements, covering online gambling that has been permitted for some time, as well as new forms of Internet gambling that may be permitted. For example, permissions and the implementation of specific player protection policies are evaluated based on their positive and negative effects. Results on playability, adjustments to player protection requirements, changes in gaming behavior, etc. are also important. A full evaluation of the provisions of the 2026 Interstate Gambling Treaty will take place in 2021.
