Critics from Gauselmann's board voice disapproval towards an alleged "opinion cartel" against gambling, while detailing the growth strategy of their gambling enterprise.
In the evolving landscape of gambling regulations, several European countries and the USA have imposed strict restrictions on legal providers. This article explores the specific regulations in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Spain, and the USA, and how the Gauselmann Group, a major German gaming corporation, is adapting to these varying and evolving regulatory environments.
Germany
Germany legalized online gambling in 2021 but maintains one of the world's most restrictive regulatory frameworks. Key rules include a monthly player deposit limit of €1,000, a maximum €1 per spin stake on slot machines, and a mandatory 5-second delay between spins. Despite these restrictions, cryptocurrencies are not explicitly banned for gambling funding. The complex regulatory environment, resulting from the combination of federal and state laws, poses challenges for operators.
Netherlands
The Netherlands legalized and regulates gambling under the Betting and Gambling Act. However, recent tax reforms have increased the tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from 30.4% in 2024 to 34.2% in 2025, with possible increases to 37.8% in 2026. These tax hikes, combined with strict deposit limits, have led to a decline in GGR and a drop in tax revenues. Industry trade groups warn these changes are pushing players to unregulated offshore and black-market operators.
Austria
Austria regulates gambling under the Austrian Gaming Act, with provisions at both federal and state levels. Licenses are allocated through a tender process, but some land-based casino licenses remain unallocated due to past legal challenges regarding transparency. The market features strict regional laws governing slot and gaming machines in regions such as Burgenland, Carinthia, and Upper Austria.
Hungary, Romania, Spain
In these countries, detailed contemporary regulatory specifics are less clear. However, broadly speaking, Hungary maintains a regulated gambling market with strong state involvement, Romania legalized online gambling and imposes strict licensing and tax regimes, and Spain regulates gambling at regional and national levels with a focus on consumer protection and responsible gambling.
USA
Gambling regulation is state-driven in the US, leading to a highly fragmented legal landscape. While many states have legalized forms of online and land-based gambling, federal oversight includes anti-money laundering and consumer protection mandates. Cryptocurrencies are increasingly used but subject to scrutiny.
Gauselmann Group Response
As a German-based company, the Gauselmann Group is primarily engaged in managing compliance with Germany's stringent laws. To address regulatory changes outside Germany, the Group is likely adjusting its operational and market strategies to maintain competitiveness, possibly by expanding into less restrictive jurisdictions or adapting their product offerings to meet evolving compliance demands. Their extensive licensing expertise across multiple German states and Austria facilitates navigating complex tender processes and regulatory environments.
In summary, regulatory trends in these countries focus on balancing taxation, player protection, and market control, creating challenges such as migration to unlicensed markets. The Gauselmann Group adapts by complying with local restrictions, pursuing licensing opportunities, and innovating payment solutions like crypto where permitted.
Online casinos in Germany operate within a strict regulatory framework, with the Gauselmann Group, a major German gaming corporation, adjusting its strategies to comply with rules such as deposit limits, spin stakes, and regulatory delays. The Group may also seek expansion into less restrictive jurisdictions or adapt product offerings to navigate various compliance demands.
Finance plays a crucial role in the business of casino-and-gambling, with tax reforms affecting the Netherlands and the potential for increased revenues through cryptocurrencies in Germany, creating opportunities and challenges for operators. The Gauselmann Group's expertise in licensing and compliance enables it to navigate complex regulatory environments in Germany and Austria.
