Germany's gambling regulatory authority Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) recently published detailed quarterly betting data on cross-border sports betting and iGaming for the first time. This initiative provides the first public quarterly data report for the German gambling market and marks an important step by the regulatory body in enhancing market transparency.
The data covers the first and second quarters of 2025, reflecting the betting expenditures of players across Germany in both regulated online and offline markets, including sports betting, online gambling, horse racing, and online poker among other categories.
GGL aims to enhance market transparency
This first batch of data was published following the appointment of Sandro Kirchner as the chairman of GGL in July this year. Kirchner currently serves as the Secretary of State for Sports and Integration in the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior. GGL states that the purpose of regularly publishing such data is to ensure the transparency of the legal gambling market in Germany and to support discussions based on facts and evidence.
GGL noted in a statement: "This data release aims to provide a reference for the evaluation of the 'GlüStV 2021' regulations, helping the industry and regulators understand market dynamics, and providing data support for future policy adjustments." Industry stakeholders believe that ongoing regulatory assessments could provide solutions to key issues such as player deposit limits and IP blocking measures.
Overview of gambling expenditures in the first quarter
According to GGL data, the total betting amount in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1) reached 3.51 billion euros (excluding lotteries). The breakdown is as follows:
Total sports betting: 2.18 billion euros
Online sports betting: 1.59 billion euros
Retail sports betting: 585 million euros
Horse racing betting amount: 25 million euros
Virtual slot machine betting amount: 1.1 billion euros
Online poker betting amount: 204 million euros
The data shows that German players' expenditures on sports betting and iGaming were particularly notable in the first quarter, providing a strong start to the market for the year.
Decline in gambling expenditures in the second quarter
Entering the second quarter (Q2), the total betting amount decreased to 3.22 billion euros, a decrease of 8.3%. Specific changes include:
Total sports betting: 1.89 billion euros (down 13.5%)
Online betting amount decreased by 12.7%
Retail sports betting decreased by 15.6%, to 494 million euros
Horse racing betting amount: increased by 28%, reaching 32 million euros
Virtual slot machine betting amount: slightly increased by 1.6%, to 1.12 billion euros
Online poker betting amount: decreased by 9.8%
Overall, although most sports betting and online gambling expenditures declined in the second quarter, horse racing and virtual slot machines still showed growth, reflecting the diversification of player interests.
Lottery market performance
GGL also released data on Germany's cross-border lottery betting:
Total lottery expenditures in the first quarter: 377 million euros
Social lotteries: 315 million euros
Category lotteries: 61 million euros
Total lottery expenditures in the second quarter: 371 million euros (down 1.6%)
Social lotteries decreased by 0.6%, to 313 million euros
Category lotteries decreased by 4.9%, to 58 million euros
In addition, the revenue from commercial gambling brokerage in the first quarter was 243 million euros, slightly decreasing to 240 million euros in the second quarter, showing overall market stability with slight fluctuations.
Industry significance of data release
The quarterly data released by GGL for the first time provides comprehensive market references for regulatory bodies, operators, and research institutions. Regular updates of the data help:
Enhance market transparency: The industry and the public can more clearly understand player spending trends.
Evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory policies: Provide empirical evidence for adjustments to 'GlüStV 2021' and related regulations.
Support operator strategies: Help operators analyze player behavior patterns, optimizing products and marketing strategies.
Track market dynamics: Timely identify growing or declining gambling categories, providing references for future investments and risk management.
Overall, the German gambling market in the first quarter of 2025 showed robust performance, with sports betting and iGaming leading the expenditures, while the second quarter saw a decline, but the growth in horse racing and virtual slot machines indicates that the market remains vibrant. GGL's regular publication of quarterly data not only provides valuable insights for the industry but also lays the foundation for the transparency and scientification of German gambling regulation.
