Central Europe
Germany: Sales of game apps grow by 23 per cent in the first six months of 2020

- In the first half of 2020, game apps generated 1.1 billion euros in sales revenue in Germany
- About one third of game users played more than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic
- ‘Alone or with family and friends – people played games on their smartphones especially frequently during the coronavirus crisis.’
In the first half of 2020, games for smartphones and tablets were especially popular in Germany. This is shown by new market figures for game apps released by game – the German Games Industry Association, based on data collected by the market research company App Annie. According to the data, sales with game apps for smartphones and tablets increase by 23 per cent compared to the first half of 2019. In total, game apps and in-app purchases generated 1.1 billion euros in Germany. This was the first time that sales passed the one-billion-euro mark within the first six months of the year. In the continuation of a trend of the last several years, so-called in-app purchases accounted for nearly all sales with game apps. These are above all a part of free-to-play games. Such titles can be downloaded and played free of charge, with players spending money only on additional content, for example to individualise their own playing character.
‘During the coronavirus crisis, many people have especially enjoyed playing on their smartphones – for entertainment, to learn and to stay in touch with family and friends,’ says game Managing Director Felix Falk. ‘The market for game apps also continued its success from the previous years, posting further growth in the double digits in the first six months of the year. Playing games on smartphones and tablets has long since become a regular part of everyday life for millions of Germans.’
Games help people get through the coronavirus crisis
In the lead-up to this year’s gamescom, game published representative survey data on the playing behaviour of Germans during the coronavirus crisis. The data showed that around one third (35 per cent) of players said they had played more than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic; about one quarter (27 per cent) had played more frequently than usual with family or friends. Overall, more than one quarter (28 per cent) of players said that games have helped them to get through the pandemic better.
About the market data
The market data for game apps was collected by App Annie, a firm specialising in market research.
The survey data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Deutschland GmbH in which 2,027 persons participated between 27 July and 1 August 2020. The results were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 16 and older.
game – the German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.
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Central Europe
WinCasino debuts in Warsaw with a new flagship venue

WinCasino network has officially launched its newest casino in the heart of Warsaw, marking a significant expansion of the Polish casino chain. Located at 40 Smolna Street, within the elegant interiors of Hotel Indigo near the De Gaulle Roundabout, the venue brings over 100 new jobs to the capital and introduces a new premium destination to Warsaw’s gaming and entertainment scene. This is the fifth WinCasino in Poland and the first casino to open in Warsaw in nearly two decades under a new license. Developed by the Wintoro company with an investment of approximately 5 million euros, the Warsaw casino is the largest and most exclusive venue in the WinCasino network.
“This is our fifth casino in Poland, but undoubtedly the most important and prestigious one. We wanted to create a space that offers top-tier gaming while also setting new standards in guest experience — from interior design to customer service. WinCasino Warsaw is part of a broader strategy to integrate casinos into the urban landscape and to redefine them as modern social and entertainment venues. It’s an approach that, until now, has been more the exception than the rule in Poland. Guests nowadays are looking for unique, relaxing, high-end experiences. Our ambition is to meet those expectations and help shape the future direction of the industry in Poland” – comments Monika Paliwoda, CEO of E-fun, owner of Wintoro.
The WinCasino brand, over the past few years, has been steadily building its presence in Poland’s major cities, offering gaming that reflects the latest trends and meets the expectations of a quality-conscious clientele. As a result, the Warsaw-based WinCasino offers the most modern and exclusive VIP zones in Poland, designed for the most demanding players. It features the highest level of luxury, privacy and personalized service with limited yet automatic access control. Key highlights include Poland’s first gold gaming table and gold slot machines modeled on those in Monte Carlo casinos and developed specifically for this venue by Polish manufacturer Promatic, what underlines the luxurious character of the entire investment. In addition, the newest WinCasino in the capital of Poland is outfitted with wooden gaming tables from the renowned Italian brand Abbiati, a supplier to some of the world’s most prestigious. The venue also offers state-of-the-art slot machines, including Poland’s largest selection of VIP machines — featuring oversized monitors and surround-sound seats for a truly immersive gaming experience. WinCasino at Hotel Indigo in Warsaw also stands out with the largest slot machines in the country, each featuring dual 65-inch screens.
“Warsaw is a key market for us — demanding, yet incredibly inspiring. Opening the casino on Smolna Street is the result of long-term planning and a commitment to quality. We want everyone who visits our casino to feel like they’re in a place unlike any other — and to want to come back” – says Mariusz Grzejszczak, CEO of Wintoro.
WinCasino Warsaw operates under a license granted by the Polish Minister of Finance, following a competitive tender process and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. It
stands out for its atmosphere and carefully curated interior design, where modern aesthetics blend seamlessly with elegance and comfort. Clearly designated smoking and non-smoking areas, optimized acoustics, subtle lighting, refined materials, and spacious interiors create an environment friendly both to gaming and socializing. The overall concept draws inspiration from the standards of London, Singapore, and Las Vegas. One of key assets of the new casino is its location, right in the heart of the city, surrounded by renowned restaurants, clubs, and hotels. The casino is open 24/7, providing flexibility and access at any time of day or night. During their stay guests can enjoy a spacious bar offering a wide range of cocktails and premium beverages. A part of the infrastructure of WinCasino Warsaw is also parking for guests – which is a rarity in the city center locations in Warsaw.
The post WinCasino debuts in Warsaw with a new flagship venue appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Playzia Partners with Erwin to Accelerate Growth in German iGaming Market

Playzia, a rapidly growing force in the iGaming industry, has signed a significant partnership with Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg’s slot brand erwin. This alliance will see Playzia’s cutting-edge games become available on another trusted platform, marking a major step forward in Playzia’s German expansion strategy.
“We’re thrilled to partner with erwin to introduce our extensive library of games to a broader audience. This market is strategically important to us, and through this collaboration, we aim to bring our signature game innovations and top-tier content to players who crave a high-quality, dynamic gaming experience,” said Vlad Modorcea, Chief Product Officer at Playzia.
Barbie Nerz, Head of Online Games at Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg, said: “We’re happy to announce our new partnership with Playzia – their fresh and engaging games are a fantastic addition to our portfolio! This collaboration not only broadens our current offering but also ensures that our game selection stays dynamic and exciting going forward.
“With our dedicated slot vertical ‘erwin’, we provide iGaming fans with a safe, legal, and high-quality gaming experience. As player preferences and market trends continue to evolve, so does our portfolio – and we’re always looking ahead. That’s why we’re especially looking forward to welcoming popular titles like Red Envelope Riches, Billionaire Rhino, Billionaire Wolf, and Caishen’s Coins, alongside innovative new additions like Zeus’s Thunderstrike, T-Rex Treasure Hunt Megaways, Dwarves Treasure Race, and Knights the Siege to the ‘erwin’ platform soon.”
This latest agreement adds to a growing list of strategic partnerships Playzia has secured in the German market, as the studio deepens its commitment to localised growth and regulatory compliance. These key deals are also part of a calculated effort to build a strong, localised presence and align closely with regional player preferences.
Beyond Germany, Playzia continues to expand across other major regulated territories, including the UK, Greece, Brazil and Romania – with certifications underway for entry into the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.
The post Playzia Partners with Erwin to Accelerate Growth in German iGaming Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Spielbanken Bayern and Stakelogic Launch brand new Live-Casino Offering

Pioneering the next chapter of regulated iGaming in Germany, Spielbanken Bayern and leading live-casino specialist Stakelogic have gone live with brand-new online live casino solutions.
On 28 May 2025, spielbanken-bayern-online.de rolled out a set of Automatic Roulettes. The launch marks the inaugural step in a phased roadmap that will soon see more Roulette and Blackjack.
Bavaria became Germany’s first state to introduce online live-casino games in April 2024. Since beginning 2025, Spielbanken Bayern has worked hand-in-hand with the Bavarian regulator and Stakelogic to craft a best-in-class solution that combines strict compliance with an engaging, secure, and reputable gaming offering.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, added: “It is both an honour and a privilege to develop further with Spielbanken Bayern on Germany’s first legal online casino. The timeline was ambitious, but our combined teams delivered. In the coming months, we will continue to optimise and enrich the portfolio with additional premium content.”
This landmark collaboration cements Spielbanken Bayern’s position as Germany’s online live-casino trail-blazer while underscoring Stakelogic’s reputation for marrying regulatory rigour with next-generation player experiences.
The post Spielbanken Bayern and Stakelogic Launch brand new Live-Casino Offering appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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