GGL Report Unveils €14.4 Billion Gaming Revenue for 2024

Germany's national gambling authority, known as the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has made headlines with the release of its latest activity report for 2024. This comprehensive document sheds light on the intricacies of Germany’s regulated gambling market, addresses enforcement actions, and highlights the ongoing battle against illegal gambling operators. The most significant revelation from this report is the generation of €14.4 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2024, a substantial 5% increase from the previous year, 2023.

Insights into Regulated Growth and Revenue Challenges

Within the regulated sector, licensed operators played a crucial role by contributing €4 billion to the overall regulated GGR, making up 28% of the total revenue. Additionally, taxes and levies combined to reach €7 billion, reflecting the resilience and growth seen within the market. Regulatory oversight and enhanced transparency have bolstered this expansion throughout the year. The GGL was actively engaged during 2024, overseeing 141 organizations and managing 230 licenses and permits. The report further elaborates on the regulator's efforts to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized online casinos, a matter that garners growing interest from both the public and industry stakeholders. However, despite the progress within the regulated sector, the illegal gambling market remains a thorny issue. Unlicensed operators still account for a significant portion, holding onto a 25% share of Germany’s online gambling industry. This black market presence translates to approximately €500 million to €600 million in GGR, which comprises 3% to 4% of the entire market value. The GGL identified 858 illegal German-language gambling websites being run by 212 unauthorized providers, further highlighting the scale of the problem.

Tackling Illegal Operators and Enhancing Player Protections

In its relentless pursuit to curb illegal activities, the GGL reviewed 1,700 online gambling websites and blocked access to 231 that were deemed illegal. Under the guidelines of the Digital Services Act, automated geo-blocking measures helped remove 657 black-market platforms from being accessed within Germany. A significant policy shift occurred in September 2024 as licensed operators gained the ability to utilize Google Ads, thereby enhancing the visibility of lawful options and directing players away from illegal gambling avenues. Importantly, the GGL’s "Markers of Harm" framework, aimed at bolstering player safety, received judicial support from the Mainz Administrative Court. This framework introduces stricter deposit limits and other measures to curb harmful gambling behaviors, reinforcing the regulator's commitment to prioritize player welfare and responsible gambling practices. Looking to the future, the GGL plans to roll out more regulatory and technological improvements in 2025, further strengthening the monitoring capabilities of the legal gambling environment, including the development of a more secure server infrastructure. Ronald Benter, GGL Chairman, stressed the importance of ongoing efforts, stating, "Our stated goal is to make the business model of illegal providers unattractive through a comprehensive package of measures. Combating illegal offerings remains a long-term process that requires strategic action, decisive action, and close interagency cooperation." The GGL’s dual focus on reinforcing the legal market while targeting unauthorized gambling operations aims to create a safer, more equitable landscape for players and operators alike. Source: “2024 German market Activity Report posted by GGL”, gluecksspiel-behoerde.de, Jun 27, 2025 By GamesAndCasino