GGL Pins Rate of Black Market Operations in Germany at 23%

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany’s gambling regulator, has once again urged lawmakers and stakeholders to take action and curb the growing illegal gambling market in the country.

According to the GGL, channelization remains relatively low, referring to the share of players and spending directed toward the regulated market. As of 2024, the GGL estimates that channelization stands at 77.03%, leaving roughly 23% of the market in the hands of unregulated operators.

GGL Believes 23% of the Gambling Market Is Controlled by Unregulated Entities

At the same time, gross gaming revenue for the black market reached an estimated €547 million in 2024, marking a 17% increase from €466 million in 2023.

These figures are estimates, however, as there is no single definitive method to measure black market activity. Operators in the illegal sector do not disclose data, making precise calculations inherently challenging. Still, the GGL stands by its findings, with CEO Ronald Benter stating:

“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market. The results support the fact-based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.”

GGL CEO Ronald Benter

The research was conducted by the Blockchain Research Lab and included a panel survey of 2,000 individuals who had engaged in online gambling (excluding lotteries) in the previous 12 months.

Respondents named up to seven platforms they used and provided data on their average stakes and losses per session and per month. Researchers then categorized operators as licensed or unlicensed using official GGL data and other sources, applying data adjustments where necessary to estimate overall market shares.

The study also incorporated additional methodologies, including behavioral tracking panels, proxy measures, and player surveys, to validate its findings and account for the limitations of each approach.

Players Asked for Feedback as Guiding Principle of the Report

“The average stakes per gaming session differ slightly between the groups, but are not statistically significant,” the GGL noted, comparing licensed and unlicensed platforms. However, users of unlicensed platforms reported higher average losses, with €88.96 per session compared to €77 on licensed sites.

Tipico, Bet-at-home, Betano, and Bwin were identified as the most commonly used regulated brands, while Stake.com, WooCasino, and PlatinCasino were among the most frequently mentioned unlicensed platforms.

The report ultimately underscores the complexity of measuring and tackling Germany’s black market, with the GGL emphasizing that no single methodology can fully capture its scale.

As a result, regulators are calling for a combination of repeated surveys and advanced monitoring tools, including machine learning and transaction analysis, to better track illicit operators and refine enforcement efforts in an increasingly fragmented online gambling landscape.