GGL Study Confirms Regulated Market Dominance at 77% Share

Germany's gambling authority has published comprehensive research validating the success of its regulatory framework, with illegal online gambling accounting for just 22.97% of total market activity. The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) commissioned study demonstrates that licensed operators have achieved a 77.03% channelization rate, capturing more than three-quarters of the country's internet gambling market.

Study Methodology and Findings

The research, titled "Untersuchung des Schwarzmarktes und der Kanalisierung von Glücksspielen im Internet anhand einer Befragung von Glücksspielenden," was conducted by Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH through player surveys. The study's findings align closely with GGL's existing market intelligence, validating the authority's analytical approaches.

"Die wissenschaftlich berechnete Kanalisierungsquote bestätigt unsere bisherigen Annahmen zum Umfang des Schwarzmarktes."

— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member

The research confirms the effectiveness of reference-value-based analysis methods previously employed by German states and subsequently adopted by GGL for estimating illegal gambling market size.

Regulatory Framework Validation

Broschüre Illegales Glücksspiel

Ronald Benter, GGL's board member, emphasized that the results support the evidence-based regulatory approach established under the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021. The study's conclusions have been presented to state gambling supervisory authorities and will inform the ongoing evaluation process of Germany's gambling state treaty.

"Die Ergebnisse stützen den Ansatz der faktenbasierten Regulierung im Rahmen des Glücksspielstaatsvertrags 2021."

— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member

The regulator is consulting with federal states regarding potential legislative adjustments based on these findings, while awaiting results from a concurrent player protection study currently underway.

Enforcement Strategy and Market Impact

GGL maintains its commitment to further reducing illegal online gambling through comprehensive supply chain targeting. The authority's enforcement approach addresses all aspects of unauthorized operations, from game developers and operators to payment processors, marketing networks, and platform infrastructure.

"Unsere Maßnahmen werden sich mittelfristig auch in den Marktanteilen widerspiegeln. Der Kampf gegen illegales Online-Glücksspiel ist allerdings ein Marathon, kein Sprint."

— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member

The regulator emphasizes collaboration with licensed operators and European regulatory counterparts to restrict illegal operators' market reach. GGL continues urging licensed providers to maximize their capabilities in combating unauthorized offerings.

Consumer education remains integral to the strategy, with GGL publishing resources like the "Broschüre Illegales Glücksspiel" in December 2025 to inform players about illegal gambling risks.

Research Presentation and Future Plans

The study results will be presented at the 23rd Symposium on Gambling on 17 March, hosted by the Forschungsstelle Glücksspiel at Universität Hohenheim. Dr. Fred Steinmetz from Blockchain Research Lab gGmbH will present key findings and methodological approaches during the symposium.

GGL plans to continue this research through regular surveys to monitor market developments over time.

"Eine belastbare Datenbasis ist entscheidend für eine wirksame Regulierung des Glücksspielmarktes. Daher werden wir auch künftig wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse systematisch in unsere Arbeit einbeziehen."

— Ronald Benter, GGL Board Member

Implications for European Market Regulation

The study's validation of Germany's channelization success establishes a benchmark for European gambling regulation effectiveness. The 77% legal market capture rate demonstrates that comprehensive regulatory frameworks can successfully compete with unauthorized operators when properly implemented and enforced.

For operators across Europe, Germany's approach provides a template for sustainable market regulation that balances consumer protection with commercial viability. The emphasis on evidence-based policy development and continuous market monitoring offers valuable insights for jurisdictions developing their own regulatory strategies. The research underscores the importance of coordinated enforcement targeting the entire illegal gambling ecosystem, rather than isolated operator sanctions, as the most effective approach to market channelization.

According to German Gambling Authority (GGL).