Global Fight Against Black Markets: IAGR Launches Awareness Campaign

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is taking a stand against the shadow market. With the launch of the first Illegitimate Gambling Awareness Week (IGAW), scheduled for November 9 to 13, the organization aims to build global awareness of the massive dangers posed by unlicensed gambling websites. The initiative encourages players to verify an operator's legal standing before registering accounts or depositing funds. It goes beyond simple consumer protection, as the IAGR identifies unregulated gambling as a direct funding source for criminal networks.

Announced during an event in Lima, Peru, the campaign marks a turning point in international cooperation among regulatory bodies. This is the first time such a broad, coordinated communication strategy has been deployed across borders. The message is clear: professional web design must not be mistaken for security. Many illegal operators use modern interfaces to fake credibility while evading all government oversight.

Numbers and facts

A central component of the awareness week is the new digital tool CheckBeforeYouPlay.org. Developed by the Paris-based RegTech company Sharp Vision, this tool is set to go live on November 9, coinciding with the campaign start. Users can simply enter a website link to see if the operator holds a valid license in their specific jurisdiction. This is supported by materials from the agency R&R Partners, which will provide video content and social media guides starting November 6.

According to the IAGR report Gambling Regulation – Global Developments, 88 percent of surveyed regulatory authorities worldwide now prioritize tackling problem gambling. This is an increase from previous years, when the figure stood at 82 percent. At the same time, 86 percent of authorities state that consumer protection is one of their primary duties. The IAGR also emphasizes that unregulated gambling is often linked to serious crimes such as drug trafficking, human exploitation, and even terrorist financing.

Background

The decision for this campaign was driven by the growing complexity of the online market. IAGR President Ben Haden emphasized in Lima that the vast reach of the internet presents a shared challenge.

“The reach of online gambling makes this a shared challenge for regulators. By coordinating our consumer communications, we can help more people understand why local licensing matters and where to find reliable information before signing up with an operator.” - Ben Haden, President of the IAGR

Kevin Mullally, Chief Executive of the IAGR, also issued a stern warning against relying solely on the visual impression of a website.

“People often confuse visibility with trust. A professionally designed website or a familiar name can give consumers confidence, even when they do not know whether the site holds the appropriate license in their location.” - Kevin Mullally, Chief Executive of the IAGR

Why it matters for German players

For German players, this global initiative serves as a validation of the strict rules set by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). In Germany, only operators listed on the so-called Whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) are allowed to operate legally. Playing with an operator without a German license means entering a legal gray area and forfeiting essential protection mechanisms. These include the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros and the stake limit of 1 euro per round for virtual slot games.

Furthermore, German players are protected by the central lockout system OASIS and the supervision system LUGAS, which monitor compliance with limits. Illegal providers, often holding licenses from Curacao or sometimes the MGA, lack these safeguards entirely. Issues with withdrawals or the theft of sensitive banking data are not uncommon on unlicensed sites. The IAGR campaign underscores that checking the official GGL list before every deposit should become a habit to avoid financial losses and legal trouble.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Licensed operators in Germany will likely welcome this global campaign. They suffer from unfair competition from illegal providers who pay no taxes and do not implement expensive player protection requirements. Increasing customer awareness for legal offers strengthens the regulated market. GGL casinos can position themselves as a safe harbor, as they already provide the transparency that the IAGR is calling for globally. However, for German operators, this also means they must continue to place their licensing information prominently and easily accessible to stand out from the competition. The IAGR initiative could eventually lead to black sheep being identified faster, improving the integrity of the entire industry.