With the dust now settled after Tuesday’s Gaming in Germany 2025 conference, one thing is clear – the market’s huge potential is plagued by complex issues.

This was the thought most frequently shared at the event as regulators, industry leaders and operators came together under the same roof in Berlin to discuss the most pressing issues of the market.

Key themes

• Regulatory framework under review

Similar to what we’ve seen in the UK with the Gambling Act White Paper, Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV) is currently under review, and recommended improvements are expected by the end of 2026.

The German regulator, GGL, made a presence at the event yesterday, calling for a level-headed approach towards the GlüStV evaluation and urged for evidence-based reforms.

• Taxation under fire

Representatives of the German online gaming sector took the opportunity to point out that by taxing 5.3% per wager instead of having a GGR-based tax in place, policymakers slowly chip away at the market’s attractiveness.

• Black market & channelisation
  

The black market remains a major drawback in Germany across all verticals. It is an imminent threat particularly for sports betting, where experts highlighted that for every legal betting platform, there are 11 illegal alternatives.

Online gaming is also at risk, with market analysts estimating current channelisation at between 22% and 25%, possibly going down to 20% by 2030 if no major precautions are taken.

Quote spotlight

“Taxation…is one of the main reasons for the market to be almost paralysed to death.”

Dr Dirk Quermann, President of the Deutscher Online Casinoverbrand (DOCV).

“Restrictions are preventing the onshore to compete with its offshore counterparts.” 

Josh Hodgson, COO of H2 Gambling Capital.

“How far do you want to restrict freedom of choice to protect all customers, if possible at all?”

Ewout Keuleers, Chair at the IBIA.

“There’s still room for improvement. Compared to other countries in the EU, it is difficult for Germany to move forward based on the discussions we had today.”

Maarten Haijer, EGBA President.

“6, 36, and 78**. Learn from that.”

Christian Heins, Director iGaming, Tipico.

** € per capita generated in 2024 from licensed casino operators in Germany/Netherlands/Denmark

What’s next

• As mentioned, the GlüStV evaluation will conclude by 31 December 2026. Operators should expect regulatory shifts in the next 12 months.
• Whilst not officially confirmed, some reports said that the GGL will be granted full IP blocking powers sometime between April and June next year.
• Wallet integration across multiple products could also be introduced to the market.
• It was flagged that upcoming elections across several Länder may influence regulatory direction if right-wingers are elected.

Stakeholders are encouraged to ensure compliance readiness, strengthen tech partnerships, plan for product innovation, and actively monitor for regulatory draft changes. 

SBC News will continue to follow the German market.