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German Gambling Stakes Drop in Q2 2025 as Market Faces Regulation Challenges
Q2 2025 saw a decline in the German gambling market, with total stakes dropping to €3.22 billion (£2.78 billion).
According to the most recent data published by the German gambling regulator, the Gemeinsame Glucksspielbehorde der Lander (GGL), this is a decrease from the €3.5 billion (£3 billion) wagered in the first quarter.
Online poker declined from €204 million (£176 million) to €184 million (£159 million) during the same period, while virtual slot stakes increased marginally from €1.1 billion (£950.6 million) in Q1 to €1.12 billion (£967.9 million) in Q2.
The report also suggests that the State Treaty on Gaming 2021 (GluStV), which imposed more stringent regulations on online gaming and sports betting, has had a mixed overall impact on the gambling industry.
Regulatory Impact and Market Transparency
In an effort to increase transparency and inform the public and policymakers about market developments, the GGL has started releasing quarterly gambling market reports.
Reforms accompanying these developments include strict advertising restrictions, a €1 stake limit on online slots, a €1000 (£864) monthly deposit cap per player across all online casino platforms and a 5% stake-based tax on operators.
The black market in Germany, which GGL estimates makes up 25% of all gambling activity, though other sources put that figure closer to 50%, has grown as a result of these policies, according to the report. Regulators intend to make the market safer by implementing these measures.
Germany’s legal gaming industry brought in €14.4 billion (£12.4 billion) in 2024, a 5% year-on-year increase. However, as per GGL, the size of the black market suggests that the industry as a whole is even larger.
There are 858 German-language websites operated by 212 unlicensed operators, according to the GGL’s 2024 Activity Report.
231 illegal websites were taken down and 657 others were blocked using automated geo-blocking as part of efforts to stop illegal gambling.
GGL CEO Richard Benter highlighted ongoing challenges, such as the use of “cloaking” tactics that allow unlicensed operators to evade restrictions by showing different websites to users and search engines alike.
He emphasised that combating these issues requires stronger international co-operation and uniform legal frameworks across Europe to protect players and all licensed providers equally.
“This fight requires close cooperation with international partners. Equally crucial are clear and uniform frameworks for the legal market that ensure the protection of players and apply equally to all permitted providers,” the GGL stated in the report.
The post German Gambling Stakes Drop in Q2 2025 as Market Faces Regulation Challenges appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Celebrate the spirit of freedom and fortune with Diamonds of Liberty, the latest all-American slot from Booming Games!
Set against a backdrop of patriotic pride, this 3×3 slot bursts with stars, stripes, and sparkling diamonds. Featuring iconic American symbols like the bald eagle, Uncle Sam’s hat and the Liberty Bell, every spin brings a chance to strike big wins.
Land 2 or more Diamond Scatters anywhere on the reels for instant payouts, or hit all 9 to win a dazzling 2000x bet! With retriggerable Free Spins, the thrilling Mini Diamond Hits bonus and a bold gamble feature for the chance to double or even quadruple your win, Diamonds of Liberty delivers star-spangled excitement with every spin.
“With Diamonds of Liberty, we wanted to capture the essence of American pride and channel it into a thrilling slot experience,” said Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games.
“From the 3×3 format and iconic symbols to the exciting mix of features like Diamond Scatters, retriggerable Free Spins, and the Mini Diamond Hits bonus, this release combines classic charm with dynamic gameplay. We’re confident that players will love the star-spangled energy and big-win potential that Diamonds of Liberty brings to the reels.”
The post Booming Games Releases All-American Slot Diamonds of Liberty appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Basket Bounty, a charming wheel-based slot filled with fruit, features, and wholesome bonuses.
Set in a tranquil orchard bathed in sunlight, Basket Bounty merges classic slot symbols with innovative bonus features. Players spin across three reels and five paylines in pursuit of golden fruit, Basket symbols, and bonus-triggering combinations that lead to generous rewards.
Landing two Bonus icons and a Basket Bonus is essential to unlocking Basket Bounty’s high-reward Bonus Game. This feature begins with three spins and resets whenever a new Bonus symbol lands, adding more rewards such as win multipliers and one of four fixed jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand.
Players can also activate the Apple Harvest feature, which collects and sums all visible Bonus values when the Basket Bonus appears alongside at least one Bonus icon, even outside the main Bonus Game. Adding to the excitement, the Apple Rush mechanic can randomly start the Bonus Game at any moment, keeping the gameplay lively and full of surprises.
The Bonus Buy option provides instant access to the Bonus Game, while Wild symbols assist in completing winning combinations by substituting for all regular icons.
With three reels, five paylines, and a feature-rich bonus structure, it’s a title crafted to delight both casual players and fans of jackpot mechanics.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Basket Bounty is a breath of fresh air for our instant-style portfolio.
“It’s a game that feels simple on the surface, but holds real depth, from collectable mechanics and dynamic bonuses to charming animations that reflect the joy of landing every fruit.”
The post Evoplay gathers golden rewards in fruity new release Basket Bounty appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Play’n GO continues to evolve its Dead series with Fate of Dead Blitzways
, a thrilling new take on cascading cluster slots set in the mysterious chambers of Ancient Egypt.
Fate of Dead Blitzways invites players back into the ancient world with a bold new entry in the fan-favourite Dead series. This time, the journey is layered with cascading reels and dynamic Wilds that transform with each win. With its lavish setting, familiar artefacts, and atmospheric soundscape, Fate of Dead Blitzways offers a fresh perspective on a revered theme, building on the rich legacy of games like Legacy of Dead and Scroll of Dead.
This is no ordinary tomb raid. Cluster-based wins trigger cascades, with symbols falling into place for more chances to score. With each win, Wilds are created – used Wilds upgrade into Multiplier Wilds, intensifying gameplay with every spin. Free Spins introduce Sticky Wilds that remain for the round’s duration, turning each bonus spin into a suspense-filled experience. This design reflects Play’n GO’s commitment to rich, replayable entertainment.
Fans of the Dead series will feel right at home. From the mystical setting and iconic symbols to its high-energy pacing, Fate of Dead Blitzways ties together the familiar and the new. Its shared DNA with Tomb of Gold Blitzways will appeal to players who enjoy varied reels and evolving gameplay mechanics.
Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO said: “Expanding the Dead series with Blitzways opens the door to fresh possibilities while preserving everything players love. It’s a meeting point between legacy and innovation.”
A bold step into ancient mysteries, Fate of Dead Blitzways will captivate fans of the series and newcomers alike.
The post Fate of Dead Blitzways™ Unlocks Ancient Wins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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