Germany Gambling Survey Shows 36.4% of Respondents Gambled in the Previous Year

A national study released in 2025 offers a snapshot of gambling behavior across Germany. Researchers examined participation levels, spending patterns, and potential risks tied to different gambling products. Results show participation remains relatively steady compared with 2021, although certain groups continue to show higher vulnerability.

Good to Know

• 36.4% of respondents in Germany reported gambling at least once in the previous year.
• Younger men and players using multiple gambling products show higher risk indicators.
• The national OASIS self exclusion register now includes roughly 350000 users.

Germany Gambling Survey Highlights Risk Patterns

Researchers collected 12340 responses from residents aged 16 to 70 between August 4 and November 26, 2025 using phone interviews and online panels. The study received funding from Deutscher Lotto und Totoblock and researchers from the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research worked together with the gambling research unit of University of Bremen.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 36.4% of respondents gambled at least once during the previous 12 months.
• Men participated more often than women, with rates of 40.4% and 32.4%.
• Participation increased with age, reaching 40.3% among individuals aged 56 to 70.
• 11.7% of respondents gamble weekly or more often.
• Median monthly gambling spending rises with risk level
• €30 among non problem gamblers
• €55 among at risk players
• €150 to €160 among mild to moderate problem gamblers

Gambling Risk Indicators

Researchers assessed gambling disorder using criteria from DSM-5.

• 2.2% of adults aged 18 to 70 meet criteria for gambling disorder
• 5.5% fall into an at risk category
• Men show higher disorder prevalence, with 3.2% compared with 1.1% among women
• 7.5% of respondents participate in higher risk gambling activities including slots, casino games, sports betting, and KENO
• Online slots show the highest disorder rate at 32.5%
• Physical slot machine players show a disorder rate of 23.4%
• 27% of high risk participants engage in live sports betting
• Adults aged 18 to 35 show the highest concentration of gambling disorder indicators

Behavior Patterns and Financial Trading

The survey also examined player behavior patterns and overlap with speculative financial trading.

• Players using four or more gambling products record nearly double the cognitive distortion scores compared with single game players
• 6.5% of respondents reported day trading during the past year
• Day trading participation by gender
• 9.2% among men
• 3.6% among women
• 63.7% of frequent day traders also gamble
• 12.1% of active day traders meet gambling disorder criteria

Awareness of Gambling Safeguards

• 85% of respondents know about the ban on gambling for individuals under 18 in Germany
• 92% support maintaining the minimum age at 18
• Public awareness of other safeguards, including advertising restrictions, staff training, deposit limits, and exclusion tools remains lower but support has increased since 2021.
• Germany OASIS self exclusion system now includes roughly 350000 registered users

FAQ

How many people in Germany gamble according to the survey?

About 36.4% of respondents reported gambling within the previous year.

Which group faces the highest risk?

Younger adults aged 18 to 35, particularly men and players using several gambling products.

What percentage of adults meet gambling disorder criteria?

About 2.2% of adults aged 18 to 70 meet diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.

What is the OASIS system in Germany?

OASIS is a nationwide self exclusion register allowing individuals to block access to gambling services.

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