Most of the gambling segments benefited from the overall positive economic development in Germany, however, this varied from segment to segment. These findings are part of the new report German Gambling Market Monitor 2018 published by Goldmedia Strategy Consulting.
Record growth in the betting segment, however, lotteries are under pressure.
In 2017, betting notched up the strongest level of growth of all the gambling segments with a 17% plus in gross gaming revenue (wagers minus payouts) compared with 2016. In comparison with 2015, the market has grown by 33% in total. This positive trend is expected to continue. The upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will stimulate additional revenue growth for the 90+ sports betting operators who are active in the German market.
However, the German lottery segment remains static and gross gaming revenue has fallen by 3%, primarily due to declining ticket sales in the highest grossing 6aus49 lottery game. In addition, the state-owned lotteries are experiencing aggressive competition from online lotteries operating from Malta without a German licence.
On the other hand, gaming machines achieved yet another very profitable year, generating a gross gaming revenue of over €7 billion in 2017. However, significant structural changes in the market are imminent following the introduction of new regulations. Stricter rules governing the total number of gaming halls and the minimum distance allowed between them may lead to a considerable reduction in the number of gaming venues in the medium term.
Source: GMB / European Gaming / German Gambling Market Monitor 2018
