A comprehensive study commissioned by Germany's gambling authority reveals that regulated online gambling platforms control over three-quarters of the market.
Germany's gambling regulator has released new research demonstrating that legal online gambling operators dominate the market, capturing 77.03% of all internet gambling activity. The study, commissioned by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) and conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH, found that unlicensed and unregulated online gambling represents just 22.97% of market volume.
The findings provide scientific backing for Germany's current approach to gambling regulation under the 2021 Glücksspielstaatsvertrag. Ronald Benter, board member of the GGL, welcomed the results as confirmation of the authority's assessment methods.
“The scientifically calculated channelization rate confirms our previous assumptions about the scope of the black market”
— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member
The research also validated the GGL's methodological approach to analyzing illegal gambling markets. Specifically, the reference value-based analysis method previously used by German states and adopted by the GGL was scientifically assessed as suitable for estimating the size of the illegal online gambling market.
“The results support the evidence-based regulation approach within the framework of the 2021 Gambling State Treaty”
— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member
77.03%
Legal online gambling market share
22.97%
Unlicensed gambling market share
2021
Year Glücksspielstaatsvertrag enacted
Broschüre Illegales Glücksspiel
The GGL maintains a holistic approach to reducing illegal online gambling, targeting the entire value chain from game developers to payment processors and marketing platforms. Benter emphasized that results will reflect in market shares over time.
“Our measures will be reflected in market shares in the medium term. However, the fight against illegal online gambling is a marathon, not a sprint”
— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member
The authority coordinates closely with legal operators and European regulatory counterparts to limit illegal operators' reach. Additionally, the GGL published an informational brochure on illegal gambling risks in December 2024.
GGL's Multi-Layered Enforcement Approach
The authority targets illegal operators through payment blocking, DNS restrictions, and advertising bans across social media platforms. They also coordinate with Google and Apple to remove unlicensed gambling apps from app stores, while working with internet service providers to implement IP blocking measures.
Study director Dr. Fred Steinmetz from Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH will present the key findings and methodology at the 23rd Symposium Glücksspiel hosted by the Forschungsstelle Glücksspiel der Universität Hohenheim on March 17.
The study results have been presented to state gambling supervisory authorities and will inform the ongoing evaluation process of the 2021 Gambling State Treaty. Benter noted that discussions with states continue regarding potential legislative adjustments based on these findings.
“Reliable data is crucial for effective regulation of the gambling market. Therefore, we will continue to systematically incorporate scientific findings into our work”
— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member
Academic Research Integration
The Forschungsstelle Glücksspiel at Universität Hohenheim has been conducting gambling research since 2005 and maintains Europe's largest gambling studies database. Their annual symposium attracts over 200 researchers, regulators, and industry experts from across German-speaking countries.
The 77% channelization rate represents a significant achievement for Germany's regulated gambling framework, demonstrating that comprehensive regulation can effectively capture market share from illegal operators. This data provides crucial benchmarks for measuring regulatory effectiveness and guides future policy decisions as the GGL plans to continue this research methodology to track market developments over time.
According to GGL.
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Written by
Maryna ShevchukContent Partnership Manager
Maryna has been part of the We–Right™ Factory team since 2018, working directly with operators, affiliates, and agencies on content planning and delivery. Her background in copywriting gives her a hands-on understanding of iGaming briefs, regulatory nuances, and market-specific requirements. On the blog, Maryna covers client-side content operations and B2B collaboration patterns in the iGaming industry.
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