Germany’s Sports Betting Market Surges Past €11 Billion in 2024 — What’s Fueling the Boom?

Germany’s sports betting industry continues to break records, with the market surpassing €11.4 billion in turnover in 2024, according to figures released by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) — the country’s federal gambling regulator.

📈 Key Figures & Insights

• €11.4 Billion Turnover:
  In 2024, German-licensed sports betting operators processed over €11.4 billion in bets, a 13.6% increase from the €10 billion recorded in 2023.
• €556 Million in Tax Revenue:
  Sports betting generated €556 million in state tax revenue in 2024, reinforcing its role as a major economic contributor.
• 38 Licensed Operators:
  As of May 2025, there are 38 licensed sports betting providers operating legally in Germany, compared to just 27 in 2022 — a testament to the regulated market’s rapid expansion.

🇩🇪 Euro 2024 Effect

The UEFA Euro 2024, hosted in Germany, played a pivotal role in boosting engagement:

• Matchday Activity:
  During Euro 2024, Germany saw betting volumes spike by 42% on matchdays — especially when the national team played.
• Most Bet-On Matches:
  Germany vs. France and England vs. Italy were the two most-wagered matches, each drawing over €50 million in bets.
• Mobile Betting Growth:
  Over 72% of all bets during Euro 2024 were placed via smartphones, up from 63% in 2022.

🎯 Popular Sports

According to the GGL:

• Football (Soccer) remains king, accounting for 78% of all sports wagers.
• Tennis came in second with 11%, and basketball ranked third at 6%.
• Niche markets like eSports have grown steadily and now represent around 2% of total bets.

🚨 Regulatory Focus

Despite the growth, Germany’s strict gambling laws continue to shape the industry:

• Operators must adhere to a €1,000 monthly deposit limit per customer (with some exceptions).
• Live betting is limited to specific match outcomes to reduce problem gambling risks.
• The GGL continues to crack down on unlicensed providers and has blocked more than 1,200 illegal gambling websites since 2023.

💬 What Experts Say

“Germany’s betting sector is evolving quickly but responsibly. The Euro 2024 tournament showcased both the market’s potential and the importance of regulation.”
— Klaus Spielmann, Regulatory Analyst at BettingEurope.com