Gaming in Germany 2026: Experts Convene in Berlin to Discuss Gambling Future

The German gambling sector is at a crossroads as regulation continues to balance player protection with economic viability. On November 10, the next edition of the Gaming in Germany Conference will take place at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku-Damm in Berlin. This event has established itself as a central hub for operators, legal experts, and regulatory authorities seeking to navigate the intricacies of the German market. After last year's conference highlighted significant shortcomings in market channelization, this year's focus is on tangible progress and the ongoing evaluation of the legal framework.

The industry atmosphere remains tense, as Germany is often perceived as overly restrictive compared to other European nations. Experts warn that current rules might inadvertently strengthen the black market instead of curbing it. Conference founder Willem van Oort emphasizes the relevance of this year's topics for anyone aiming to run a successful iGaming business in the Federal Republic. It is no longer just about surviving under new rules, but about how the legal market can regain attractiveness against illegal offshore offerings.

Numbers and facts

The conference is divided into six thematic blocks led by high-profile speakers. A keynote speaker will be a senior representative from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), providing an update on current regulation. Also on the panel are Dr. Damir Boehm, CEO of operator Tipwin, and Alexander Müller, a member of the FDP executive board. A particularly critical point is the reflection on the 2025 conference, where Maarten Haijer, the former Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), offered a somber forecast.

"It will be difficult for Germany to move forward compared to other EU countries." - Maarten Haijer, former Secretary General of the EGBA

This assessment is based on the challenging conditions created by the 2021 State Gambling Treaty (GlüStV 2021). Beyond purely German topics, the conference will also look at Austria, where market regulation for online casinos is facing major changes. This presents opportunities for operators already active in German-speaking regions seeking new growth prospects.

Background

A core theme of the Berlin talks is the #ReclaimTheMarket campaign. This initiative focuses on strengthening licensed operators against the black market. Participants will discuss the permissibility of new products such as prediction markets, sweepstakes, or eSports betting. Another focus lies on the licensing of online table games in states like North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Baden-Württemberg. The question of whether remaining monopolies in Germany and Austria are still contemporary is also up for debate.

"The possibility of being able to offer new products is always exciting and the opening of Austria's regulated online casino market will bring fresh opportunities." - Willem van Oort, Founder of Gaming in Germany

Why it matters for German players

For German players, this conference primarily signifies hope for an improved legal offering. Currently, many customers suffer under the strict limitations of GlüStV 2021. These include the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit across all providers, monitored by the LUGAS system, and the 1 Euro stake limit per round on virtual slots. These rules were introduced to maximize player protection but, according to industry critics, lead to players migrating to illegal providers without a German license. If the conference helps the evaluation of the treaty lead to more practical solutions, German players could soon benefit from a wider variety of legal games and more attractive bonus offers. The GGL whitelist remains the only safe anchor for legal gaming in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Operators with a GGL license are under enormous pressure. They must pay high taxes and implement technical hurdles like LUGAS and OASIS, while illegal competitors bypass these costs. The discussions in Berlin regarding the treaty's evaluation are vital for these companies. An adjustment of the rules could help legal providers regain their competitiveness. Particularly, the debate over new products like eSports betting could bring fresh air to the portfolios of licensed casinos. Ultimately, the political direction decided will determine whether Germany remains a sustainable market for legal gambling or if the migration to the black market persists.