Germany online slot revenue grows amid legal scrutiny of gambling losses

Germany’s regulated gambling market saw divergent trends in 2025. While total gross gaming revenue across all permitted gambling remained flat at €14.4 billion, licensed virtual slots experienced significant growth. According to the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), revenue from licensed virtual slots rose by 11% to €543 million, with total stakes reaching €4.6 billion.

Simultaneously, the legal landscape for online gambling is facing judicial scrutiny. The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) is currently reviewing whether players can reclaim losses incurred from online gambling services that operated without German licenses prior to the lifting of the total ban in July 2021. One specific case involves a player seeking the return of €10,000 in losses from Tipico Games, who held a Maltese license but lacked German authorization during the period in question.