German gambling stakes drop in Q2 2025 as market faces regulation challenges

Q2 2025 saw a decline in the German gambling market, with total stakes dropping to €3.22 billion (£2.78 billion).

According to the most recent data published by the German gambling regulator, the Gemeinsame Glucksspielbehorde der Lander (GGL), this is a decrease from the €3.5 billion (£3 billion) wagered in the first quarter.

Online poker declined from €204 million (£176 million) to €184 million (£159 million) during the same period, while virtual slot stakes increased marginally from €1.1 billion (£950.6 million) in Q1 to €1.12 billion (£967.9 million) in Q2.

The report also suggests that the State Treaty on Gaming 2021 (GluStV), which imposed more stringent regulations on online gaming and sports betting, has had a mixed overall impact on the gambling industry.

In an effort to increase transparency and inform the public and policymakers about market developments, the GGL has started releasing quarterly gambling market reports.

Reforms accompanying these developments include strict advertising restrictions, a €1 stake limit on online slots, a €1,000 (£864) monthly deposit cap per player across all online casino platforms, and a 5% stake-based tax on operators.

The black market in Germany, which GGL estimates makes up 25% of all gambling activity, though other sources put that figure closer to 50%, has grown as a result of these policies, according to the report. Regulators intend to make the market safer by implementing these measures.

Germany’s legal gaming industry brought in €14.4 billion (£12.4 billion) in 2024, a 5% year-on-year increase. However, as per GGL, the size of the black market suggests that the industry as a whole is even larger.

There are 858 German-language websites operated by 212 unlicensed operators, according to the GGL’s 2024 Activity Report.

231 illegal websites were taken down and 657 others were blocked using automated geo-blocking as part of efforts to stop illegal gambling.

GGL CEO Richard Benter highlighted ongoing challenges, such as the use of “cloaking” tactics that allow unlicensed operators to evade restrictions by showing different websites to users and search engines alike.

He emphasised that combating these issues requires stronger international co-operation and uniform legal frameworks across Europe to protect players and all licensed providers equally.

“This fight requires close cooperation with international partners. Equally crucial are clear and uniform frameworks for the legal market that ensure the protection of players and apply equally to all permitted providers,” the GGL stated in the conference report.

As Germany’s gambling market adjusts to tighter regulations, the battle against illegal operators continues, shaping the future outlook for players and providers alike.