GGL: Is the illegal online gambling market shrinking in Germany?
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19 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 3 minutes
As regulation of online gambling intensifies across Europe, new data from the GGL suggests that the illegal market remains more limited than some stakeholders fear.
Regulation bearing fruit
Since the introduction of strict frameworks to regulate online gambling, several national authorities have stated that the illegal market remains contained. Recent figures from the GGL show that a large majority of German players (three-quarters) are turning to operators with an official licence. This finding reflects years of political efforts aimed at establishing a safer gambling environment, with clear rules, enhanced controls and better consumer protection. Legal platforms now offer guarantees that illegal sites cannot match: transparency, recourse in the event of a dispute, and measures against addiction.
Available estimates suggest that the share of the illegal market remains relatively small. A minority of players continue to use unauthorised sites, often drawn by more generous bonuses or fewer restrictions. However, these illegal operators are facing increasing obstacles. The authorities are stepping up blocking measures.
Why do players choose legal operators?
Player behaviour is changing. Contrary to popular belief, the majority now prefer authorised platforms.
Several factors explain this shift. Firstly, trust. Players know that their funds are secure and that the games on offer meet strict standards. Next, simplicity: legal platforms are easily accessible, well-designed and offer a user experience comparable to, or even superior to, that of illegal sites. Finally, awareness plays a key role. Information campaigns run by the authorities have helped to raise understanding of the risks associated with unregulated sites.
The importance of a balanced strategy
To maintain this momentum, experts agree on one point: regulation must remain balanced. Too many restrictions could weaken the legal offering. Too much flexibility could undermine player protection. Between these two extremes, the authorities must tread carefully.
The illegal online gambling market appears to be limited today, kept in check by effective regulations and a robust legal offering. However, this balance remains fragile.
The illegal market in Belgium
In Belgium, since the legal age was raised to 21 in 2024, some players aged 18 to 20, who were previously active in the legal market, have turned to illegal platforms. According to available data, more than 20% of them continue to gamble online outside any regulated framework, revealing a shift in the problem rather than its disappearance.
This shift can be explained by the fact that illegal sites remain highly accessible. Unlike licensed operators, these platforms impose few restrictions and easily circumvent Belgian rules, particularly regarding age. For these young players, the illegal offering often appears to be a simple and immediate alternative, despite the increased risks in terms of security and protection. At the same time, the near-total ban on gambling advertising has reduced the visibility of legal operators, leaving a space that illegal operators are actively exploiting.
Belgium illustrates a major paradox: strict regulation can strengthen protection on paper, whilst indirectly encouraging the development of a parallel market.