Illegal Operators Control 25% of Germany’s Online Gambling Market — GGL 2024 Report
The regulator GGL has released its 2024 report: Germany’s gambling Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached €14.4 billion, marking a 5% increase year-over-year.
Key Metrics of the German Gambling Market in 2024
In 2024, Germany’s gambling market continued its upward trend, achieving a total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of €14.4 billion, a 5% growth compared to the previous year.
| Metric | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Market Volume (GGR) | €14.4 billion | 5% growth vs. 2023 |
| Licensed Operators’ Market Share | €4 billion | 28% of total market |
| Tax Revenue | €7 billion | Contributions to the state budget |
| Number of Licensed Operators | 141 | Under GGL supervision |
| New License Applications Processed | 230 | Handled in 2024 |
Combatting Illegal Operators and Regulatory Actions
Illegal iGaming operators account for approximately 25% of the legal online market, corresponding to a turnover of around €500–600 million. According to GGL, there are 858 German-language websites run by 212 unlicensed operators.
Main Measures Against the Illegal Market
- Over 1,700 websites reviewed, with 1,107 blocked.
- 231 legal cases initiated against illegal operators.
- Access restricted to about 450 unauthorized sites via bans, plus 657 sites geo-blocked under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
- Payment blocking implemented to disrupt financial transactions with illegal platforms.
- Since September 2024, Google Ads only promotes licensed operators, significantly reducing visibility of illegal offers.
GGL Leadership Comment
Ronald Benter, head of GGL, stated: “Our measures are yielding results, but the fight against illegal operators remains complex and requires ongoing cooperation with national and international partners.”
Player Protection: Implementation of the «Markers of Harm» System
A key achievement in 2024 was the court approval of the «Markers of Harm» system developed by GGL for early detection of signs of gambling addiction.
These indicators are used to monitor increased deposit limits and serve as a preventive tool against problematic gambling behavior.
The Administrative Court of Mainz recognized the system as lawful, marking a major step toward unified player protection standards in the gambling market.
2024 Highlights: Impact of Major Sports Events and Future Plans
In 2024, advertising and betting controls were intensified due to major sporting events such as the UEFA European Football Championship and the Olympic Games. This necessitated increased operator activity monitoring.
For 2025, GGL plans to:
- Continue legislative development and secure new court rulings to strengthen the legal framework.
- Expand advertising monitoring and enhance control efficiency.
- Introduce a Safe-Server to improve oversight and more accurate tracking of licensed operators.
- Strengthen collaboration with national and international authorities to further curb the illegal market.
Conclusions
Germany’s gambling market continues to grow, while regulator GGL actively combats illegal operators and improves player protection. The introduction of new technologies and systems such as «Markers of Harm», alongside legislative initiatives, is paving the way for a safer and more transparent market.
Key 2024 Figures at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Volume (GGR) | €14.4 billion |
| Illegal Operators’ Market Share | 25% |
| Illegal Websites Blocked | 1,107 out of 1,700 |
| New Licenses Processed by GGL | 230 |
| Licensed Operators | 141 |