The online casino market in Germany
The online casino in Germany has seen some big changes in recent years. This is down to the introduction of new legislation that affects how online gambling operators operate. The licensing and control system is now the strictest in Europe, which is having a big impact on the industry and players. In this article, we'll take a look at the legislative framework, the licensing process, and the current state of the online casino market in Germany.
Legislation regulating online casinos in Germany
Before 2021, gambling regulation in Germany was fragmented and chaotic. Each federal state had its own gambling regulations, which confused both operators and players. But on July 1, 2021, a new state agreement on gambling regulation (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021) came into force. This law introduced uniform rules across Germany and legalized the operation of online casinos in Germany under strict conditions.
Key provisions of the new law
- Betting limits: The maximum bet on online slots is €1 per spin.
- Deposit limits: Players are allowed to deposit no more than €1000 per month into their gaming accounts.
- Player verification: Online casinos with a German licence must verify the identity of their players to prevent money laundering and underage gambling.
- Prevention of gambling addiction: Online casinos licensed in Germany are required to provide players with self-control tools, such as temporary account blocking and game limits.
- No live dealer games: The law prohibits live dealer games in an online format, restricting the offerings of some operators.
Licensed German online casinos
To legally serve players in Germany, online casinos must obtain a licence. Licensing is conducted by a specific body responsible for ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations – the federal states joint gambling authority (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, GGL).
All online casinos with a German licence have to stick to strict rules about how fair the games are, how they protect player data and how transparent they are about their financial operations. These measures are there to keep players safe and stop fraud.
By the end of 2024, the regulated online casino market in Germany had grown a lot. Only licensed operators can offer their services in the country. These include big international companies as well as new German online casinos that have a local licence.
Market statistics and size
The German gambling market, including online casinos, is valued in the billions of euros. According to recent figures, total revenue from online gambling in Germany in 2024 is estimated to be around €2.2 billion. This represents significant growth compared to previous years and reflects the growing popularity of licensed German online casinos.
As of October 2024, over 16 per cent of Germany's adult population had played at least once in an online casino. Meanwhile, the authorities are actively clamping down on illegal platforms that continue to operate without a licence, breaching the law.
The problem of unlicensed casinos
Even though there are strict regulations in place, unlicensed online casinos are still a problem for the German market. These casinos often have more flexible conditions for players, like higher betting limits and fewer restrictions. However, there are some big risks to consider when playing at unlicensed casinos:
- Lack of player protection: If you have a dispute with an operator, you don't have any legal recourse, as unlicensed casinos aren't under German regulatory oversight.
- Risk of financial losses: Operators of unauthorised casinos frequently violate payment rules, and players may end up losing their money.
Regulatory authorities are actively blocking access to unauthorised websites and imposing fines on their operators. Players are advised to stick to licensed German online casinos to avoid potential risks.
State revenue from licensed casinos
With the introduction of the new legislation, the states receive significant revenues from licensed German online casinos. Operators are required to pay taxes on their activities and hundreds of millions of euros enter the German budget every year; by 2025, tax revenues from licensed online casinos are expected to be around 550 million euros per year.
These funds will be used for various social programs, such as initiatives to combat gambling addiction and support sporting events. In other words, regulating gambling benefits not only operators and players, but also society as a whole.
Online Casino Player Statistics in Germany
Number of Players
Research shows that around 16% of adults in Germany have taken part in online gambling at least once. By 2024, this had risen to around 2.3 million people. This is a big increase compared to previous years, which shows that online gambling is becoming more and more popular.
Average Player Spending
As of 2023, the average German player spends around €50-70 per month in online casinos. However, there are significant differences depending on income level and gambling activity. Some players place minimum bets, while others participate in riskier games with larger stakes.
Popular Games
The most popular games among German players are slot machines. According to statistics, more than 70% of players prefer slots, especially progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods. Meanwhile, table games such as roulette, poker, and blackjack are also popular, but they hold a much smaller share of the market — around 20%.
Large Wins and Jackpots
- Mega Moolah Jackpot – 2024: A German player won €8.5 million while playing at a licensed online casino. This was the biggest win in the history of German online casinos.
- Hall of Gods – 2024: Another German player won €4.2 million on the Hall of Gods slot. This was one of the year's biggest wins.
Progressive jackpots are a major driver of growth in the online slots segment. According to statistics, the total amount of jackpot payouts in German online casinos in 2024 was around €40 million.
Forecasts for 2025
Growth of the Gambling Industry
Experts think that by 2025, the total gambling market, including online gambling, will be worth between €2.8 and €3 billion. This is because there are going to be more licensed operators and technology is going to keep on getting better, especially when it comes to mobile apps and online platforms.
Number of Players
In 2024, online casinos attracted more than 2.3 million active players and this figure is expected to rise to between 2.5 and 2.7 million by 2025.
Average Player Expenditure
The average player spent €50–70 per month in 2024, but by 2025, this figure could increase to €70–100, depending on any limits that are imposed and the overall economic situation in the country.
Technological Trends
By 2025, systems for self-limitation and player protection will be common, making online casinos more appealing to a wider audience.
Jackpots and Prizes
The trend of high payouts on progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods is expected to continue. According to annual forecasts, this figure could rise to €50 million in 2025.
All in all, 2025 is set to be a great year for German online casinos. They're going to keep on growing in popularity and player numbers, they're going to introduce new technologies and they're going to make their user protection measures even better.
