Berlin has taken over a central role in Germany’s gambling supervision as the country prepares for a major review of its regulatory framework.
From 1 July 2026, Berlin State Secretary for the Interior Christian Hochgrebe became the new Chair of the Administrative Board of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL), replacing Bavaria’s Sandro Kirchner. The position rotates annually between Germany’s federal states.
Hochgrebe steps into the role at a crucial time, with the evaluation of Germany’s Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) expected to influence the future direction of the market. The review will assess whether current regulations are meeting their goals in areas such as player protection, legal market growth and action against illegal operators.
The incoming chair highlighted the need to continue strengthening oversight while adapting regulation to developments in the gambling sector. The GGL has focused heavily on combating unlicensed gambling, improving enforcement measures and supporting a secure legal market.
During Kirchner’s leadership period, the regulator advanced several internal and strategic initiatives, including digital development, stronger action against illegal platforms and improvements aimed at making licensed gambling offers more competitive.
Germany’s regulated gambling model has faced ongoing debate since the introduction of GlüStV 2021. Operators have raised concerns about strict rules affecting the legal market’s ability to compete with offshore providers, while regulators continue to emphasise consumer protection.
The upcoming review process is expected to play a major role in deciding whether adjustments are needed to balance market attractiveness, enforcement and responsible gambling standards.