SectorWire
SearchRegister
MenuClose

German gambling association warns of illegal-market growth and enforcement gaps

Enforcement & compliance

The German Automatenwirtschaft association and police union chief Jochen Kopelke warned of illegal gambling growth and limited enforcement, according to a report summarised by the association. The account cites a 2023 study projecting that illegal gaming machines could make up 45% to 62% of the German market by 2026, and Kopelke called for changes to criminal procedure and higher ministerial priority for the issue.

Warnings about illegal gambling and limited enforcement may prompt German authorities to reconsider criminal procedure and enforcement priorities.

Request a correction

Flag an issue

Keep reading

Regulation

GdP and DAW seek tougher enforcement against illegal gambling

The Gewerkschaft der Polizei (GdP) and the Deutsche Automatenwirtschaft (DAW) have issued a joint position paper calling for stronger enforcement against illegal gambling and a more effective regulation of the legal market. Proposals include reversing the burden of proof over unexplained assets and extending permitted surveillance powers.

The Gewerkschaft der Polizei (GdP) and the Deutsche Automatenwirtschaft (DAW) have issued a joint position paper calling for stronger enforcement against illegal gambling and for more effective regulation of the legal market. The paper, reported on 28 September 2026, sets out proposals covering enforcement and the regulatory framework for legal operators.

Continue reading