Germany Gambling Statistics & Trends
Gambling in Germany has been a hugely popular form of entertainment throughout the country for decades.
But it wasn’t until 2008 that country-wide legislation to regulate gambling came into law. This was when the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) was signed, which aimed to create a consistent legal framework across all states. The treaty primarily focused on reducing gambling addiction and controlling illegal gambling.
Since then, the growth in popularity of online gambling in Germany has seen a need for evolving regulations. This saw the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 come into force on 1 July 2021. This legislation distinguishes between “online casino games” and “virtual slot machine games”. This allowed operators to apply for a licence to offer virtual slot machine games for the first time in the country’s history.
Since January 1st 2023, the new Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states overseen the regulation and monitoring of all gambling activity in Germany, both online and land-based.
Since the launch of the regulated online industry the market continues to grow. This means that understanding the latest trends and statistics is crucial for industry investors and stakeholders.
Overview of the German Gambling Market
The German gambling market is experiencing robust growth with the majority of revenues generated by the offline, land-based sector.
All figures listed below are taken from ‘Glücksspielatlas Deutschland 2023 (Gambling Atlas of Germany 2023)’. This is the most recent official data released for the German gambling industry and provides full-year figures for 2022.
Total Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR)
The total gross gambling revenue (GGR) for the German gambling industry in 2022 was €13.4 billion. This includes all forms of legal gambling activities within the country. This was a lower figure than the pre-pandemic total of €14.2 billion recorded in 2019. Figures for 2020 and 2021 were heavily affected by forced closures of land-based facilities.
Offline Gambling Statistics
Offline gambling in Germany includes land-based casinos, sports betting, and state lotteries.
- State Lotteries – €3.3 billion
- Slot Machines – €5.5 billion
- Casinos – €860 million
- Sports Betting – €900 million
Online Gambling Statistics
Online gambling is growing rapidly in Germany. In 2024, the revenue from online casinos alone is expected to hit €3.3 billion, up from €2.2 billion in 2019. The online sector is buoyed by increased convenience and accessibility, particularly through mobile devices, which account for 70% of online betting revenue.
Online Gambling Industry GGR
- Online Casinos – €2.8 billion
- Online Sports Betting – €1.5 billion
Growth Rates for Online Gambling
- Online Casinos – 10.6% growth in 2019 compared to 2018
- Sports Betting – 18.6% growth in 2019 compared to 2018
Sports Betting
Sports betting remains a popular form of gambling in Germany. A recent study showed that 14.31% of Germans bet on sports at least once a month. The primary reasons for betting include:
- the desire to win money – 37.76%
- the thrill of betting – 24.85%
- enhancing the enjoyment of watching sports – 17.66%
Gambling Losses and Participation in Germany: Population Segments
The total gambling losses equates to the total revenue (GGR) generated by gambling operators. This was €13.4 billion in 2022.
Breakdown by Population Segment
No precise figures are available for each segment, but the Gambling Atlas of Germany 2023 does give some insight into participation by demographics.
However, the data does show that 30% of German people took part in gambling in 2021, down from 55% in 2007.
The data also shows that illegal gambling accounts for 7% of all gambling losses in Germany.
Age:
- The highest gambling losses are typically incurred by individuals aged between 25 and 44 years.
- Younger adults (18-24) – 30% have engaged in gambling in past 12 months
Gender:
- Approximately 70% of gamblers are male, and they tend to incur higher losses compared to female gamblers.
Income Level:
- Individuals with lower to middle income levels have reported the most significant gambling losses in Germany in 2022.
Geographical Distribution:
- Regional Differences: Northern Germany exhibits higher gambling losses compared to the south.
Gambling Addiction and Disorders
Addiction Rates:
- 2.3% of the adult population (aged 18-70) have a gambling disorder – 1.3 million people
- 7.7% of active gamblers have a gambling disorder
- 5.7% of adults have shown the initial signs of problem gambling – 3.25 million people
- 40% of slot machine players have a gambling disorder
- 10% of male gamblers classed as at risk in past 12 months
- 3% of female gamblers classed as at risk in past 12 months
Regulatory Landscape
Germany’s gambling regulations have undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling. This treaty created a comprehensive framework for online betting and gaming, centralizing the regulatory process under the Joint Gambling Authority (GGL).
Despite these efforts, the regulatory environment remains challenging. Issues such as strict deposit limits (€1,000 per month), a maximum stake limit of €1 per spin on slots, and complex licensing requirements for online games have been criticized for potentially driving players towards unregulated markets.
Future Trends
The German gambling market is poised for continued growth, with an expected annual growth rate of around 10%. This growth is supported by both increased online participation and the gradual recovery of offline gambling post-pandemic. However, the success of regulatory measures in curbing illegal gambling and promoting a safe gambling environment remains to be seen.
Key Projections for 2024
- Total Market Revenue – €3.3 billion
- Online Casino Revenue – €3.3 billion
- Growth Rate – Approximately 10% year-over-year
Germany’s gambling market is a dynamic and evolving sector, reflecting broader trends in both the European and global gambling landscapes. With strong growth in the online segment and significant regulatory changes, the market presents both opportunities and challenges for operators and regulators alike.
GamblingIndustryNews.com - iGaming News, Data, Features & Events