Germany Faces Crucial Moment in Gambling Regulation Ahead of 2026 Evaluation

Germany’s regulatory approach to online gambling is entering a critical period as stakeholders brace themselves for the 2026 review of the State Treaty on Gambling. Active since 2021, the legislation unified national rules governing internet casinos, sports betting, and virtual slot games. However, the updated measures are showing signs of strain, particularly regarding consumer protection and enforcement.

Deposit Limits Need a Complete Overhaul

In a recent webinar organized by the German Online Casino Association (DOCV), industry leaders, legal experts, and addiction specialists gave their verdict on the state of the industry. The event highlighted the increasing tension between regulations designed to safeguard consumers and the increasingly competitive and complex digital gambling landscape.

The monthly deposit limit remains a significant point of contention. While this interim regulation has been extended through the end of 2025, the future of the cap remains uncertain. DOCV vice president Simon Priglinger-Simader called for the introduction of clearer and more useful guidelines, arguing that regulatory uncertainty obstructs consumer protection and business planning.

The aim is to create a sustainable model that provides long-term stability for operators. This is something we definitely want to solve before 2026.

Simon Priglinger-Simader, DOCV vice president

Other experts labeled the existing solution as unworkable and too vague. As it stands, gamblers can increase their deposit limits from €1,000 ($1,153) to €10,000 ($11,530) by proving their “economic capacity” via official documents. Critics argue that this requirement does not follow a coherent legal framework, leaving operators in a legal gray area.

Black Market Operators Remain a Pressing Threat

The so-called “€1 rule,” which restricts wagers on online slot machines to €1 per spin, also faced harsh criticism. Skeptics remain adamant that the limit restricts game diversity and encourages gamblers to seek black-market alternatives. Operators agree that this rule unfairly handicaps licensed sites because unregulated platforms often ignore such restrictions entirely.

Illegal gambling remains a pressing issue for regulators and licensed operators as DOCV estimates that licensed providers account for only 20% to 40% of online slot activity. The DOCV and its allies thus urge lawmakers to act, demanding increased enforcement efforts and reduced regulatory burdens for the regulated sector. One proposal includes reducing the current tax on stakes to help licensed companies stay competitive.

The review of the State Treaty in 2026 presents an opportunity for Germany to recalibrate its gambling regulations. Discussions are already underway, and the coming year could be pivotal for the sector. Priglinger-Simader aims to foster honest, open debate with regulators and policymakers, finding a balance between player protection and the need for a functional legal market.