Gaming in Germany 2026 puts market reform in the spotlight

Germany’s regulated gambling market faces a difficult balancing act: protecting players, keeping licensed operators competitive, and confronting the continued appeal of offshore platforms. These challenges will take center stage at the 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference, scheduled for November 10, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm.

Held under the theme #ReclaimTheMarket, the Gaming in Germany Conference will bring together regulators, gambling operators, industry associations, legal specialists, and technology providers. The one-day gathering will examine whether Germany’s regulatory framework can better support its licensed market while maintaining effective consumer safeguards.

From regulatory reform to the fight against illegal gambling

The evaluation of Germany’s 2021 State Gambling Treaty will provide a central thread throughout the conference. Nadja Wierzejewski, Head of Enforcement at the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), will deliver a keynote, followed by regulatory and industry perspectives from Dr. Joerg Hofmann of Melchers Law Firm, Dr. Dirk Quermann of the German Online Casino Association (DOCV), and Mathias Dahms of the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV).

The discussion will then turn to one of the market’s most persistent problems: competition from unlicensed operators. Sessions will explore enforcement challenges, player protection, and illegal gambling advertising, including efforts to confront unauthorized promotions on Facebook and Instagram. A supplier-focused panel featuring representatives from Play’n GO, Hölle Games, and Apparat Gaming will examine how game developers can contribute to a more sustainable regulated market.

New business models will also face scrutiny. Prediction markets, sweepstakes, and esports betting feature on the agenda, alongside the licensing of online casino games in North Rhine-Westphalia. Legal experts will examine the opportunities and restrictions surrounding these products, while a separate session will consider the relationship between state gambling monopolies and European Union law.

Beyond Germany, the conference will address Austria’s online casino re-regulation and provide a closer look at market performance. Josh Hodgson, COO of H2 Gambling Capital, will present an overview of the German iGaming market, while Jeffrey Haas of Blask Business Intelligence will compare game popularity across licensed and offshore offerings.

The final sessions will look ahead to 2027 and beyond, examining operator re-licensing, payment solutions, and possible improvements to Germany’s regulatory framework. A closing panel featuring GGL and legal representatives will bring the discussion back to the conference’s central question: how can the regulated market become more effective at competing with illegal alternatives?

Event details

• Date: November 10, 2026
• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm, Berlin, Germany
• Focus: Gambling regulation, market reform, illegal gambling, player protection, new gaming products, and licensing
• Audience: Regulators, gambling operators, industry associations, legal and compliance professionals, technology suppliers, and payment providers