GGL Report: Germany Sees Gambling Growth While Illegal Sites Still Linger

Germany’s gambling regulator has reported steady growth in the legal market for 2024 while continuing to battle illegal operators. The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) stated in its latest annual report that legal gambling grossed €14.4 billion last year, marking a 5% increase from 2023.

Good to know

• Legal gambling revenue reached €14.4 billion in 2024.
• Tax income from gambling rose to around €7 billion.
• Over 450 illegal sites were blocked in Germany last year.

While the GGL sees this as a positive step forward, many licensed operators remain skeptical of the figures. The 5% growth in gross gaming revenue (GGR) topped the 2% seen the year before, and the tax contributions also rose from €6.6 billion in 2023 to €7 billion in 2024.

However, the GGL acknowledged that the fight against illegal gambling remains a sticking point. In 2024, it tracked 858 unlicensed German-language sites—slightly more than the 205 operators linked to illegal sites in the previous year. Estimated market volume for these illegal sites ranges from €500 million to €600 million.

That figure accounts for only 3–4% of the total market but makes up around 25% of the market for high-risk online gambling, such as virtual slots and sports betting. GGL CEO Ronald Benter said: “Our measures are having an impact. Nevertheless, combating illegal offerings remains challenging.”

Enforcement and Ad Changes Reduce Illegal Access

In terms of enforcement, the GGL initiated 231 prohibition actions in 2024 and reviewed over 1,700 gambling websites. That is up from 133 prohibition cases in 2023. As a result, about 450 sites became inaccessible via legal action and another 657 were blocked using geo-blocking under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

The GGL also credited updated Google Ads guidelines as a major help. Since September 2024, only licensed operators have been allowed to advertise via Google in Germany. That shift, shaped with input from the GGL, has reportedly cut illegal visibility significantly.

What Comes Next for the Regulator

Looking ahead, the GGL plans to grow its oversight efforts. In 2024, it handled 230 permit and amendment applications and oversaw 141 legal operators. That was a jump from the 39 license applications processed the year before.

The regulator also wants to improve server-based monitoring tools to help track licensed activity more precisely. It aims to work more closely with both local and international partners—not just to stop providers, but also to hold accountable the tech and ad firms that support unlicensed gambling sites.

“Our stated goal is to make the business model of illegal providers unattractive through a comprehensive package of measures,” said Benter. “It’s a long-term effort that takes strategic planning, firm action, and cooperation.”

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