Germany’s online gambling regulations are approaching a pivotal moment, with a formal review of the State Treaty on Gambling set for 2026.
Introduced in 2021, the treaty standardized national rules for online casinos, sports betting, and virtual slots. However, the current framework is under increasing pressure, particularly in areas related to consumer protection and regulatory enforcement.
During a recent webinar hosted by the German Online Casino Association (DOCV), voices from the industry, legal field, and addiction prevention sectors shared concerns over the treaty’s effectiveness. The discussion underscored growing friction between consumer-focused regulations and the rapidly evolving, highly competitive online gambling market.
One major sticking point remains the monthly deposit limit. Though extended until the end of 2025, its long-term status is still unclear. DOCV vice president Simon Priglinger-Simader urged for clearer and more practical regulatory guidance, warning that the lack of clarity hampers both consumer safety and strategic planning for operators.
Simon Priglinger-Simader, DOCV vice president, mentioned:
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.
Several experts criticized the current system as impractical and overly ambiguous. Currently, players can raise their deposit limits from €1,000 to €10,000 by demonstrating their “financial capability” through official documentation. However, critics claim this process lacks a clear legal foundation, putting operators in a legally uncertain position.
The “€1 rule,” which limits online slot bets to €1 per spin, has come under heavy fire. Critics argue that it stifles game variety and pushes players toward unregulated, black-market options. Licensed operators share this concern, noting that illegal sites often ignore such restrictions, putting compliant platforms at a disadvantage.
Illegal gambling continues to pose a major challenge. According to DOCV estimates, only 20% to 40% of online slot activity occurs through licensed operators. As a result, the DOCV and its partners are calling for stronger enforcement and a reduction in regulatory burdens to support the legal market. One suggestion includes lowering the current tax on stakes to improve competitiveness.
The upcoming 2026 review of the State Treaty offers a chance to reshape Germany’s gambling laws. Conversations are already in motion, and the next year is expected to be crucial. DOCV’s Priglinger-Simader advocates for a transparent dialogue with regulators and lawmakers to strike a better balance between consumer protection and a viable legal gambling market.
