Gambling in Germany: boom or risk for players? The latest numbers!

Gambling in Germany: boom or risk for players? The latest numbers!

The gaming industry in Germany will prove to be a significant economic factor in 2023. The State Treaty on Gambling, in force since 2021, has significantly changed the market. With an increase in gross gaming revenue to around 14.3 billion euros in 2023, the industry recorded the highest value in several years. In 2022, gross gaming revenue amounted to 13.4 billion euros, which underlines the positive development. Loud Net trends The largest share of gross gaming revenue can be attributed to the state lotteries of the German Lotto and Totoblock (DLTB), which accounted for almost 5 billion euros.

As for tax revenues, the state obtained about 2.48 billion euros in 2023, representing a decrease of 3.6% compared to the previous year. 1.77 billion euros come from the lottery tax, which accounts for 71% of tax revenue in the gaming sector. Tax revenue from sports betting amounted to 409 million euros, while revenue from the virtual machine tax, which affects online slots, recorded a decline of 38.5% at 264 million euros. Revenue from online poker was also only 30 million euros, a decrease of 7.5%.

Gambling behavior and addictions

Gambling behavior in Germany shows that 12.2% of the population gamble at least once a week. The LOTTO 6aus49 is particularly popular, with a share of 19.8%. However, there are worrying developments: the prevalence of gambling disorders increased from 2.3% in 2021 to 2.4% in 2023. In fact, 36.5% of respondents participate in at least one gambling activity within 12 months. According to estimates, up to 50% of online gambling bets are made by illegal providers, which leads to annual tax losses in the three-digit million range.

In this context the mentioned Gambling Authority that regular annual reports on the economic analysis of the German gaming market have been published since 2014. The annual report includes both permitted and unauthorized gambling market segments in Germany and provides a valuable overview of developments in the sector.

Regulation and market transparency

The State Treaty on Gambling of 2021 regulates online gambling in Germany and only allows providers with a valid German license to offer games. Comparison portals like Pokerfirma.com help players find information about online casinos, bonus promotions and game rules. However, players must be careful: providers without a German license are illegal for German players, which underlines the need for clear information and transparency in the market.

Gambling regulations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland attach great importance to player protection and transparency. The gaming authority has initiated several studies, including one to evaluate the player protection measures of the State Treaty on Gambling and an investigation into gambling advertising. The gambling survey, which has been carried out since 2007, provides comprehensive data on gambling behavior in Germany. Advice centers for those affected by gambling addiction can be reached via the addiction help directory of the German Center for Addiction Issues and offer support.