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Hot and Trending on the German Gambling Market in 2025
Germany’s gambling industry is considered one of the biggest in the whole world. Germans love to spend their time playing – by 2029, the number of gambling users in Germany is expected to reach nearly 38 million!
We’ve gathered all the important information you need to know about the market, starting with what’s hot right now. Keep reading to learn all the key trends and insights into the German gambling industry:
Sports Betting
Sports betting has always been a dominant force in Germany. In 2023, the sector generated the most revenue in the gambling industry – a trend that’s expected to continue this and the following years, especially due to the convenience of digital platforms.
A recent survey by TGM confirmed this prognosis. The company reported that as of 2024, over 31% of their German respondents have placed sports bets online or via mobile apps.
Football reigns supreme, of course. The Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League attract the highest interest. Punters also love horse racing and esports betting, the latter gaining traction, especially among younger players.
Cryptocurrencies
Crypto has carved out a niche in the online gambling scene despite (or maybe because of) the strict regulations Germany is famous for. The stringent legal requirements have naturally led to the rise of hybrid and crypto casinos that attract players seeking faster transactions and greater anonymity.
However, this particular market is known for evolving rather rapidly, so players must stay informed about reputable operators, legal implications, and responsible gambling options. As such, punters’ interest in cryptocurrencies is limited to the ones considered most safe and known (e.g., Bitcoin and Ethereum).
Gaming on the Go
Mobile gambling has taken over the world, Germany included. Technology is advancing, and more and more players are opting for the convenience of mobile gambling—whether during a commute, lunch break, or while waiting in line.
Did you know that smartphones and tablets are accounting for over 50% of total gambling revenue?
Germany’s market boasts one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in Europe. That’s why leading developers like Merkur and Novomatic have optimised their games, websites, and apps for mobile-friendly use and play.
Let’s explore what German punters like to play the most:
Favourite Casino Games
The market went through a major transformation in 2020 when new regulations banned table games, live dealer titles, and progressive jackpots. As a result, according to German legislation, online slots and poker remain the only legal options available to local players.
The German casino and casino games market is projected to generate $17.84 billion in 2025, which explains why slots are at the centre of the country's gambling preferences. So, what are some favourites?
Germans love diverse themes and engaging gameplay. Prime examples of favourite titles are Book of Ra, Big Bass Bonanza, El Torero, Book of Dead, and Starburst. International providers may dominate the market, but operators collaborate with both local and global developers to maintain a high-quality gaming experience.
What’s Next?
The German’s gambling sector is poised for significant changes. Let’s explore the highlights of what’s to come:
- The Joint Gambling Authority has found the current slot games application process as inefficient. As such, regulators are considering introducing a B2B licensing system for game studios, which would lead to a smoother integration, more variety, and a lot of new games.
- Authorities are also thinking of a new legal framework for ISP blocking as a way to curb illegal gambling, enhance consumer protection, and provide an easier way to block access to unwanted sites.
- Advertising regulations remain an issue, as operators seem to find a way to bypass the restrictions. The states can’t reach a consensus on a solution that will keep the market competitive but also do a better job protecting its players. That’s why a market-wide evaluation has begun. After its completion in 2026, the country will assess the impact of gambling ads on vulnerable groups and will decide whether to impose a change in the advertising code and regulations.
- Germany’s gambling treaty is set to assess some of its more controversial restrictions, such as the €1 stake limit per spin and the five-second interval between spins on virtual slot machines. Critics argue that such measures make the market unattractive and push players towards unregulated options. The outcome of this evaluation could determine whether the framework takes a more flexible approach or remains as restrictive.
Online Gambling in Germany
Germany’s gambling market is on a steady growth trajectory – its revenue is expected to reach $28.82 billion in 2025 and expand to $30.64 billion by 2029. A large part of these numbers is due to the online gambling sector. However, alongside this growth, there lie some imminent challenges – from illegal gambling concerns to regulatory restrictions.
Official reports may claim that the black market accounts for only 4% of the gross gaming revenue (GGR), though industry leaders argue that the real figure is closer to 20%—some suggest illegal casinos reach even 50% of total gambling activity. Germany’s gambling regulator, Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), works hard to combat black market gambling. In 2023, GGL investigated over 1,860 websites and 483 gaming providers.
However, many point out that the key reason for this rise is the overregulation of the legal market. Commonly cited reasons for players seeking alternative options are the high levies (e.g., 5.3% tax on online slots for operators, though that still affects players) or the restrictive measures (the €1 stake limit or the mandatory wait times between spins).
These factors have led to the stagnation of the gambling tax revenue. Germany reported that the 2024 earnings mirror the 2023 figures at €2.9 billion. Many believe the answer lies in regulatory adjustments. Let’s explore the current German gambling regulations and expand on the matter further:
German Gambling Regulations
Germany is famous for its tight regulations, and the gambling market is no exception. Since 2021, online gambling is now legal under a controlled licensing system. The GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) was introduced in 2022 and is now the primary national regulatory body overseeing the gambling industry in Germany.
The market is highly regulated with a focus on player protection, responsible gambling, and transparent operations. Let’s see what operators and players must comply with:
Restrictions and Stake Limits
- The maximum stake on online slots is limited to €1 per spin.
- Live casino games, progressive jackpots, and other types of casino games (except for virtual slots and online poker) are not allowed by the regulator.
- Players are also limited to a maximum monthly deposit of €1,000 and a daily one of €500.
- There has to be a five-second wait time between each online slot spin.
Licensing and Compliance
- All operators have to get a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the national gambling regulator.
- They must comply with local regulations, e.g., financial transparency, responsible gambling measures, and advertising limitations, to obtain and hold a license.
- There is a two-part licensing process: all companies must apply for an organiser’s license + each of their games must also be individually licensed and approved.
- There are specific state legislations to take account of. Some states (like Schleswig-Holstein) also offer opportunities for private operators to apply for licenses.
Player Protection and Responsible Gambling
- Operators must implement robust responsible gambling measures. These include an automated system to detect addictive behaviour. Players must be notified regularly of their lost amounts.
- LUGAS (Germany's Interstate Gambling Evaluation System) monitors the monthly deposit limits and tracks gambling activity to prevent parallel playing.
- There is also the OASIS system that helps enforce player exclusions (e.g., self-exclusion tools or third-party apps to help with the process). It states that a "panic button" to give players an option for a 24-hour exclusion must also be included on websites.
Advertising Restrictions
- Advertising online and on TV and radio is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Ads cannot target minors or vulnerable groups and shouldn’t suggest gambling is a solution to financial issues.
- Companies can’t use influencer marketing and collaborate with streamers.
Taxes
- Operators must pay a 5.3% tax (this includes sports betting, virtual slot machines, and online poker). This affects the payout processes and could translate into a number of consequences for players (e.g., higher transaction fees).
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Laws
- Each new player’s identity must be thoroughly verified.
- Anonymous payment methods are prohibited. Deposits and withdrawals must also go through accounts in the player’s name.
- Operators have to agree to a thorough KYC process, PEP and sanction checks. They must also report any suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Penalties
- Illegal gambling services are considered a criminal offence. This includes offers, facilitation, and marketing.
- Unlicensed operators can face fines of up to €500,000. Criminal penalties also apply for engaging in illegal gambling activities.
As you can see, there are complex requirements aimed at protecting players and ensuring a safe and transparent gambling industry. Operators looking to enter and thrive in the market must be prepared to meet those high standards and demonstrate their full commitment to player well-being.
Let’s explore what makes a German casino competitive and how to choose the best one available:
Characteristics of the Best German Online Casinos
The vast number of options in Germany makes picking a reliable online casino difficult. We picked out all the important factors one would need to be mindful of when making this choice. Let’s go through the following things to consider in order to play safely and enjoyably:
1. Licensing & Security
All reputable casinos in Germany hold a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). A valid license ensures that casinos are safe and comply with all the requirements that the law demands from them in order to protect their citizens from fraudulent practices. Important internet security features like SSL encryption are also a must in order to guarantee that all money transactions are safe and secure and that no one is able to cheat the system.
2. Reliable Customer Support
The best online casinos in Germany will most assuredly offer first-class 24/7 resolution procedures and be able to give you great advice on gameplay and other info if needed.
Many casinos offer live chat sessions with customer service professionals to give you fast and efficient assistance wherever it may be needed. Quality platforms are reachable at any hour of the day via multiple channels such as live chat, email, and phone and are ready to help with any issues the players might be having. We, therefore, recommend that you test how fast and responsive the casino support team is before you trust them with your hard-earned cash.
3. Responsible Gambling Measures
Look for operators that put a lot of attention on initiatives for responsible gambling, and not just because they are required to do so! Features could include:
- Deposit and stake limits
- Self-exclusion options
- Access to support organisations
4. Wide Game Variety
This part gets a bit tricky, as most casino games are not legal, according to the GGL. However, this doesn’t mean that DE-licensed casinos have less to offer to keep players interested. Choose operators (locally or internationally licensed) with a diverse library of casino games. Some of the best casinos even include titles that are specifically aimed for the German audience, so be on the lookout for that as well.
5. Secure & Fast Payment Methods
Providing easy and quick solutions for transferring funds in and out of the platform is paramount for an impeccable gaming service. The best casinos in Germany offer a variety of options, such as:
- Visa & Mastercard
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
- Other reputable payment methods (SOFORT, Giropay, Trustly)
Take note of the delay for fund withdrawal (a good range is something like 24-48 hours for e-wallets, 3-5 days for bank transfers) and the transaction fees you’ll have to pay to avoid bad surprises and make sure you’ll be happy with your choice.
Checklist for Choosing the Best Online Casino in Germany
For a safe, reliable, and enjoyable gambling experience, we recommend you follow the checklist below:
- Valid license & SSL encryption
- Wide game selection, including local favourites
- Positive reputation & reviews
- Multiple secure payment options
- Fair bonuses & promotions (with reasonable wagering requirements)
- Responsive customer support (preferably 24/7)
- User-friendly website & mobile compatibility
- CasinoWow's seal of approval
Don't forget that the German gambling scene has its pros & cons. So, here's a handy list to keep in mind when choosing where to play:
Pros and Cons of Playing at German Casinos
Advantages
- Clear regulatory framework and player protection so punters can feel safe playing at any licensed casino
- Wide slots variety – most types of games might be restricted, but German casinos still offer a top and diverse selection
- Lots of crypto and hybrid casino platforms
- Exclusive bonuses for German players plus generous loyalty programs
- Trusted payment methods – Visa & Mastercard, Payz, SOFORT, Trustly, etc.
Disadvantages
- Strict licensing requirements and heavy restrictions on operators and players
- Most casino games are not allowed – punters can choose only from slots and poker in licensed online casinos
- Bonus offers are limited as they are capped at €100.
- Risk of unlicensed casinos due to the tight regulations
First Names in German Gambling Entertainment
The German industry has left no scraps. Instead, people are open to being entertained by the best names in the casino business. These establishments have built up strong reputations and have several licenses around the globe.
Such names of gambling prestige include Lucky Dreams, Bitstarz, and DrueckGlueck Casino. Here are a few more recommendations:
Experience Hell like never before! Explore more than 3000 casino games and play like a demon at Hell Spin Casino.
Enter the world of Lucky Dreams to play over 9,500+ games, participate in the crypto lottery and claim daily Pick & Dream bonuses.
Enjoy over 4,000 casino games from 50+ software providers, daily promotions and sports betting at Dailyspins Casino.
BitStarz is a top-rated online casino founded in 2014, offering Bitcoin and regular money betting on over 3,800 games.
Welcome to Bizzo Casino, an online gambling site that welcomes fiat and cryptocurrency with open arms.
Crypto Casinos in Germany
As more and more people are drawn to the benefits of digital currencies, it is to be expected that the popularity of crypto casinos in Germany is on the rise. Especially when you also consider the stringent gambling regulations that, too, welcome innovative alternatives to the traditional market. Of course, this inevitably brings along challenges from the regulatory institutions.
Why Are Crypto Casinos so Popular?
Hybrid and crypto platforms hold several advantages over their traditional counterparts:
- Faster transactions: Deposits and withdrawals happen much quicker in the crypto world. You don’t have to wait for banks to process your transfers anymore!
- Enhanced privacy: Cryptocurrencies allow for much greater anonymity. So, any risk of, say, a data leak exposing your personal details is practically eliminated.
- Lower transaction fees: It is much cheaper to transfer money with crypto than with traditional methods.
Germany ranks second in online searches for “crypto casinos”, with approximately 4,200 monthly searches on the topic. Germans’ interest in crypto is evident. However, their regulator is not that big of a fan. So, what does this mean for the market?
The German Gambling Treaty (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) does not explicitly ban cryptocurrencies, but it imposes strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This leads to many challenges for crypto casinos that do want to offer their services to German players:
Privacy vs. Compliance
Cryptocurrencies allow users to transfer money anonymously, which can contradict AML requirements, such as identity verification.
Offshore Platforms
Due to regulatory uncertainties, a lot of the users in Germany interested in gambling with digital currencies turn to offshore crypto casinos. Unfortunately, these rarely operate with German licenses, which raises the question of their compliance with standards that ensure safe gambling and user protection. That’s why we recommend always trusting hybrid and crypto casinos with licenses from reputable regulatory bodies (e.g., MGA, UKGC, or Curacao).
Casino Banking Tips for German Players
Since the enforcement of the new regulations in 2021, German players must rely entirely on digital payment methods. This means that cash and voucher payments are now strictly forbidden to use.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the best and most reliable payment methods essential for good bankroll management:
Credit and Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard remain the one of most popular forms of transacting at EU online casinos (Germany included). This method is generally quite fast as a depositing tool; however, it can charge large fees on withdrawals and take up to 72 hours to receive funds from a casino. Most people are familiar with using their personal cards, and it stands to reason why they remain popular, even though they are often less secure.
E-Wallets
Electronic wallets are online accounts held by a third party that act as a middleman between your bank account and your casino operator. In order to top up the wallet, you need just transfer funds from your bank account into the wallet and then make payment to the vendor. This safeguards your sensitive banking information from the casino or any other online predator.
Transactions via e-wallet are generally the fastest real funds transactions available. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals can take anywhere from a few seconds to 24 hours to reflect. Germans love using e-wallets (e.g., Payz) to move their funds.
Instant Transfers
SOFORT is an extremely popular payment method amongst the German public. Along with Trustly, this is the most recognised third-party instant banking service provider. They forward cash to the casino and claim the funds from your bank once the payments clear. In most cases, this improves the deposit time by between 24 and 48 hours, meaning that you can play immediately after processing the payment.
Casino Bonuses in Germany
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Bonuses & promotions are generally considered perks that turn the main draw for picking one platform over another. Operators are aware of this, which, of course, is reflected in an attractive offering of German-specific bonuses.
However, Germany imposes specific rules and limits on all bonuses. Read on for more insights on the matter. Bonuses in German casinos come in different forms, such as:
- Deposit Match Bonuses: A very common type that basically means that the casino doubles your deposit.
- Free Spins: As a treat, casinos will often throw in a certain number of times you can spin without costing you a cent.
Pro Tip: Always check the terms and conditions very carefully before accepting any bonuses. Generally, bonuses are tied to conditions that you need to fulfil (e.g., playing a certain amount of time or depositing a certain amount of money).
Some crypto and hybrid casinos offer DE-specific bonuses to attract the German audience. These could be exclusive deposit bonuses using certain cryptocurrencies or even no-wagering free spins or cashback rebates based on your losses. However, as we mentioned above, bonuses and rebates in Germany are heavily regulated.
Currently, the maximum bonus amount that can be offered to a single player per year is hard capped at €100. This includes all types of bonuses and means that German players are limited to significantly smaller bonus offers.
While this comes off as restrictive, it also helps ensure that players don’t receive excessively lucrative offers that might lead to easier addiction and reckless spending. Plus, since bonuses are capped, you will probably find more free spins and no-wagering bonuses on offer than usual.
Responsible Gambling in Germany
The government puts a lot of effort into enforcing responsible gambling measures to protect its players. Let’s break it down:
- Germany now has a new Central Authority institution for gambling that keeps track of how well casinos comply with the practices mandated by the new rules.
- Players are required to set deposit and betting limits to control their spending—an option also available in other countries but mandatory in Germany. They can also opt for self-exclusion, where they can temporarily or permanently block themselves from gambling activities.
- Operators are also required to show players how long they've been gambling and how much they've spent in so-called “reality checks”. They must also monitor player behaviour for signs of problematic gambling. If issues are detected, they must intervene, offering support and resources to those in need. Plus, there's the mandatory five-second wait time between each online slot spin.
- When Germany introduced the GGL in 2022, it was thought of as more than just a gambling regulator. The GGL can also conduct thorough checks to ensure that licensed operators follow the rules and provide a safe environment for players. Plus, it can carry investigations into illegal or unlicensed operators, which makes it a lot harder for rogue casinos to operate within Germany.
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Summary of the German Online Gambling Market
Germany's online gambling market has undergone significant changes in recent years to present even more exciting opportunities for both players and operators. However, now more than ever, it’s crucial to be aware of the industry's pros and cons and make an informed choice of where to spend your time and money.
Luckily, you have all the information you need to play safely and have the best experience at your favourite German online casino.
Disclaimer: Our team here at CasinoWow provides players with all they need to know to play safely in one place, but the legal landscape is complex and dynamically changing, so seek legal counsel if you are unsure about any details before engaging in online gambling activities.
If you feel like we missed something, though, or you have questions or comments, feel free to contact us and let us know.
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