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Germany’s legal gambling market shrinks as illegal operators gain ground in Q2 2025

Germany’s crackdown on gambling backfires as players flee to illegal sites. With €14.4 billion at stake in 2024, regulators scramble to close loopholes and strengthen global alliances.

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In this image it seems like there is a big hall in which the people are playing the chess. Their is...
In this image it seems like there is a big hall in which the people are playing the chess. Their is a table on which there is a chess board and coins on it. On the top there are curtains,posters,window. There is a calendar attached to the wall. There are two people playing the chess with each other.

Germany’s gambling market has seen a drop in activity during the second quarter of 2025. Legal stakes fell to €3.22 billion, down from €3.5 billion in the previous three months. Despite stricter regulations, illegal operators continue to thrive, posing challenges for authorities.

The legal gambling sector in Germany generated €14.4 billion in 2024. However, experts estimate the black market accounts for 25-50% of all gambling, making the real market size far larger. The 2021 State Treaty on Gaming (GlüStV) introduced tougher rules, including a €1 maximum stake per spin on slots, a €1,000 monthly deposit limit, and a 5% tax on stakes. These restrictions have driven some players towards unlicensed operators.

In Q2 2025, virtual slot machine stakes rose slightly to €1.12 billion, while online poker wagers dropped from €204 million to €184 million. Authorities have taken action against illegal sites, with the GGL (Glücksspielgesetz) identifying 858 German-language gambling platforms run by 212 unlicensed operators. They successfully shut down 231 illegal websites, but tactics like 'cloaking'—where sites disguise their true nature—remain a persistent issue.

GGL CEO Richard Benter has called for stronger international cooperation to tackle the problem. He emphasised the need for clear, uniform rules and closer collaboration with tech firms, global regulators, and other stakeholders. Ukraine’s recent push for worldwide action against illegal gambling highlights the importance of real-time monitoring and technical partnerships.

The decline in legal gambling activity contrasts with the growth of the black market. Authorities face ongoing challenges in enforcing regulations and shutting down illegal operations. Stronger cross-border efforts and stricter frameworks may be necessary to reduce unlicensed gambling and protect players.

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