The Popularity of Online Gambling Increases in Germany

As the global online gambling industry continues to grow, several countries are opening themselves up to the economic opportunities that come with it. Germany is one of the gambling-friendly countries in Europe, with sports betting and online casino gaming legal. But how widespread is online gambling in the country?

This article discusses the popularity of online gambling in Germany, the current trends, and what can be expected in the future. Apart from that, we will shed some light on the legal situation of online gambling in the country. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it.

The Legality of Online Gambling in Germany

For several years, online gambling was generally allowed only in Schleswig-Holstein. However, in July 2021, the GlüStV was enacted, leading to the legalisation of online gambling in all of Germany’s 16 states. Operators can now obtain licences for online poker, virtual slots, horse racing betting and sports betting in the country. However, they are still subject to regulations at the state level. 

Online Casino Revenue in Germany

In 2019, the online casino revenue in Germany was €2.2 billion before the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) was introduced. With the new treaty, more German players now play legal online casino games like poker and slots. 

Newer operators now surface, and top existing casinos like Maneki Casino also expand their services to cover more markets. It is expected that the revenue on online casino gambling alone will grow to €3.3 billion by 2024. 

Sports Betting Continues to Grow

When it comes to online sports betting, it is becoming even more popular and has a bright future. In 2016, the total sports betting turnover was €6.14 billion. However, this value increased quite exponentially between 2017 and 2019. In 2019, the amount of money wagered on sports betting in Germany was €9.28 billion, almost double what it was in 2014, €4.52 billion. 

As expected, there was a decrease in sports betting turnover in 2020 to €7.79 billion due to the pandemic. However, with online sports betting now legal in Germany, we can see these figures skyrocket over the next few years. 

Popular Online Gambling Games in Germany

Following the legalisation of online gambling in Germany’s 16 states, many players are now fond of some casino games. German players enjoy playing different types of video slots. When you check the lobby of betting sites targetting the country, you will find numerous Megaways, classics and progressive jackpot slots. 

Apart from virtual slots, online poker is also becoming quite popular. Operators now host numerous tournaments, seeing players battle each other for a chance to win prizes. Games like roulette, blackjack and video poker are also among the popular online casino games in the country. 

Popular Sports to Bet on in Germany

Apart from the popularity of online casino games, many German bettors also indulge in placing bets on different sports. Football, motorsport, handball, and basketball are among the sports bets becoming popular. Hardly will you visit a German bookie and not find these sports. And like most other regions where sports betting is legal, players can bet on in-play events. 

The love for several sports in Germany runs deep. Some germans have made it a hobby to analyse sports games and make money from them through bets. There are several other hobbies you can monetise, but if you want to earn from sports betting, you need to know what to look for exactly. 

The Future of Online Gambling in Germany

With the new legislation and other gambling policies, it is safe to say that the future of online gambling in Germany is bright. Innovations like blockchain and cryptos are now integrated into online gambling to enhance security and improve payment processes. Many betting sites now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and other cryptocurrencies as primary payment methods. 

Besides, the growth of VR casinos will likely find its way into the German online gambling industry, offering players a more immersive experience. In the end, all this would likely impact the industry positively. 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, online gambling is pretty popular in Germany, especially with the enactment of the GlüStV in 2021. All the 16 states in the country now have a unified rule, with online casino gambling and sports betting being legal. The increase in the growth of the online casino revenue is strong proof of the popularity of online gambling in Germany. 

Innovative products like cryptocurrencies and virtual reality are likely to shape the industry. Thus, one thing seems sure; we can expect more growth in the industry and more changes in gambling policies in the future.