Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 publishes its Berlin agenda and speakers

The 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference has published its programme and confirmed a range of speakers for its upcoming edition in Berlin. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the annual industry gathering will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm, bringing together representatives from the regulatory, political, legal and commercial sectors of the German gambling industry.

This year's event is expected to address several important developments affecting the regulated German online gambling market. Among the principal subjects are the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty, potential opportunities involving new gambling products, the competitive position of licensed operators and the industry's response to offshore gambling.

The programme will also examine legal developments involving the enforcement responsibilities of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). These discussions come at a time when regulatory consistency, market access and player protection remain central considerations for companies operating in Germany.

State Gambling Treaty evaluation takes centre stage

One of the most significant subjects scheduled for discussion is the evaluation of the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021, commonly referred to as the State Gambling Treaty 2021 or GlüStV 2021.

The regulatory framework, which came into force in July 2021, established the current structure for Germany's regulated online gambling market. It introduced licensing requirements and specific operational obligations designed to strengthen player protection while providing a legal framework for different forms of online gambling.

Under Section 32 of the treaty, the German gambling authorities are required to prepare a comprehensive evaluation report by December 31, 2026. The assessment is expected to examine the effects of the legislation on the development of illegal gambling markets, the protection of players and the effectiveness of measures intended to prevent gambling-related harm.

The forthcoming conference will therefore provide an opportunity for industry participants to discuss the framework's implementation and consider the potential implications of the evaluation.

For licensed operators, suppliers and other stakeholders, the findings could have considerable relevance. Regulatory requirements influence product development, commercial planning, marketing activities and the ability of businesses to compete in a tightly controlled market.

The discussions in Berlin are expected to focus not only on the current situation but also on the possible direction of future regulatory developments.

GGL enforcement and the legal debate

Another important subject on the agenda concerns the enforcement powers of the GGL and the legal questions raised by decisions of the Halle Administrative Court.

The original announcement highlighted a series of court developments that prompted discussion about the relationship between Germany's licensing requirements and the practical implementation of player protection provisions.

In particular, the Halle Administrative Court issued interim decisions on August 6, 2026, in proceedings involving an enforcement order and related financial measures imposed by the regulator. The proceedings included questions surrounding the implementation of the cross-operator monthly deposit limit under the State Gambling Treaty.

However, the subsequent procedural developments are important when assessing the current position. On October 21, 2026, the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt overturned the relevant interim decisions in related appeal proceedings, including cases 3 M 61/26 and 3 M 62/26.

The higher court rejected the applications for interim relief. It concluded that a possible shortcoming in the handling of increased deposit limits did not automatically invalidate the general licensing requirement or prevent enforcement against unlicensed gambling activities.

These decisions were issued in interim proceedings and should not be interpreted as a final determination of every legal question surrounding the German gambling framework.

Nevertheless, the sequence of decisions illustrates why the subject remains relevant to legal professionals and market participants. The conference is expected to provide an opportunity to examine the regulatory and legal implications without treating an individual court decision as a general resolution of every enforcement issue.

New products and potential market opportunities

Product development will represent another important part of the 2026 conference programme.

The agenda includes discussions about prediction markets, sweepstakes, eSports betting and opportunities involving online casino licensing in North Rhine-Westphalia.

These areas have attracted attention as companies consider how the German gambling market might develop under its existing regulatory framework.

Prediction markets and sweepstakes are particularly relevant because their legal classification can depend on the structure and characteristics of individual products. Questions concerning licensing requirements, consumer protection and applicable gambling legislation are therefore expected to feature prominently.

The conference will include a session dedicated to prediction markets and sweepstakes, with Dr. Matthias Spitz, Senior Partner at Melchers Law Firm and Dr. Christian Rapani, Partner at Rapani Rechtsanwälte, among the scheduled participants.

Online casino opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia will also receive attention. The session is expected to examine licensing and business-to-business opportunities in Germany's most populous federal state.

For suppliers and operators, the subject carries commercial importance. Any potential expansion remains dependent on the applicable legal requirements and the licensing decisions of the responsible authorities.

The programme also includes eSports betting, another product category where market interest must be considered alongside regulatory restrictions and the specific conditions governing permitted betting activities.

Tackling offshore competition and supporting licensed operators

The position of Germany's regulated gambling market in relation to offshore operators will form another central theme.

Licensed companies operate under a range of regulatory obligations covering player protection, advertising, payments, compliance and responsible gambling. These requirements are intended to establish safeguards for consumers and maintain oversight of gambling activities.

However, differences between licensed and unlicensed offerings can create commercial and regulatory challenges. The effectiveness of enforcement and the ability of authorised operators to compete remain important considerations for the industry's long-term development.

The conference will examine possible approaches to addressing these issues through stronger industry coordination and cooperation between relevant stakeholders.

A dedicated programme section will consider effective regulatory responses to the black market. Other discussions will examine industry initiatives, the role of suppliers and the contribution of payment solutions.

The programme also includes a session on combating illegal gambling advertising through Facebook and Instagram, highlighting the importance of digital platforms in efforts to restrict the promotion of unauthorised offerings.

These discussions are expected to consider how businesses can support a more sustainable regulated market while maintaining compliance with existing legal obligations.

Confirmed speakers bring regulatory and industry perspectives

The published programme features representatives from several areas of the German and wider European gambling sectors.

Nadja Wierzejewski, Head of Enforcement at the GGL, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address. Her participation is particularly relevant to discussions about regulatory enforcement and the practical application of Germany's gambling legislation.

Alexander Müller, Member of the Executive Board of the Freie Demokratische Partei (FDP), is also listed. His session will address player protection, market realities and effective enforcement.

Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner for DACH at Play ‘n GO, will participate in a discussion about the responsibility of suppliers in building a sustainable German online gambling market.

Legal expertise will be represented by Dr. Matthias Spitz and Dr. Christian Rapani, whose session will examine the potential development of prediction markets and sweepstakes in Germany.

The programme also identifies other participants from the legal and regulatory communities, including representatives involved in the discussion about online casino licensing in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Although the agenda has been published, some programme positions continue to carry indications that additional speakers or participants may be announced.

Conference details and programme expectations

The 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference will take place on Tuesday, November 10, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm.

The programme is scheduled to open with registration and arrivals from 09:00 before moving into regulatory updates, industry discussions and specialist sessions.

The agenda also covers developments beyond Germany, including the re-regulation of the online casino market in Austria. Additional sessions will examine the German iGaming market through industry data and comparisons between onshore and offshore offerings.

Other subjects include the German market's 2027 licensing requirements, developments involving anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations and data compliance.

This broader programme reflects the interconnected nature of the European gambling industry. Regulatory changes in one jurisdiction can influence commercial strategies, licensing decisions and investment considerations in neighbouring markets.

The Berlin venue will provide a meeting point for professionals seeking to exchange perspectives on these developments and discuss potential areas of cooperation.

Willem van Oort highlights the importance of industry dialogue

Gaming in Germany founder Willem van Oort has highlighted the significance of the current regulatory and commercial environment. His comments underline the organisers' intention to provide a platform for discussions about the future direction of the regulated market.

He commented:

“The German market is certainly not a boring one. On the one hand, there appears to be room for a significant expansion in the range of permitted products. On the other hand, a recent ruling by the Halle Administrative Court calls into question the GGL's entire legal authority to enforce the prohibition against unlicensed iGaming in Germany. With all the key players in the German market present in Berlin, this year's Gaming in Germany event will be THE place to discuss the way forward for Germany-licensed operators, suppliers and other stakeholders. As always, our event will also focus on what the industry can do to keep the illegal market in check. In our current situation, this may be more important than ever.”

The comments reflect the organisers' assessment of the challenges facing the industry. The legal position, however, should be considered alongside the subsequent October 21 appellate decisions, which reversed the relevant interim orders from Halle.

Conclusion

The 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference arrives at an important stage in the development of the country's regulated gambling market. With the evaluation of the State Gambling Treaty approaching its statutory deadline, operators and suppliers have significant reasons to follow discussions about regulatory performance, enforcement practices and possible changes to the permitted product landscape.

The conference also provides an opportunity to examine how the industry can respond to offshore competition without compromising the consumer safeguards that underpin the regulated system. Discussions about prediction markets, sweepstakes, eSports betting and regional online casino opportunities further demonstrate the range of questions facing businesses active in Germany.

The judicial developments surrounding the GGL add another dimension to the programme, although the subsequent appellate decisions underline the importance of distinguishing preliminary court assessments from final legal conclusions.

Ultimately, the value of this year's gathering will extend beyond individual presentations. Bringing regulators, legal specialists, policymakers, suppliers and operators into the same discussion can help clarify different perspectives and identify practical challenges that require attention.

For businesses following Gaming in Germany, November 10 offers an opportunity to assess the market's direction at a particularly relevant moment. The discussions in Berlin could contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory environment and the commercial considerations shaping the next phase of Germany's online gambling sector.

FAQs

When will the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 take place?
The conference is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Berlin.

Where will the 2026 conference be held?
The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku'damm, near the Kurfürstendamm.

What are the main subjects on the conference agenda?
Major subjects include the evaluation of the State Gambling Treaty 2021, GGL enforcement, new product opportunities, offshore competition and player protection.

Who is organising the Gaming in Germany Conference?
The annual conference is organised by Gaming in Germany, part of the Gaming in Europe industry network founded by Willem van Oort.

Who will represent the GGL at the conference?
Nadja Wierzejewski, Head of Enforcement at the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address.

Will the evaluation of the State Gambling Treaty 2021 be discussed?
Yes. The evaluation is a central agenda topic, particularly because the comprehensive report is due by December 31, 2026, under Section 32 of the treaty.

Which new gambling products will be discussed?
The programme includes prediction markets, sweepstakes, eSports betting and online casino opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia.

What legal developments will be examined?
The agenda highlights enforcement questions involving the GGL and decisions of the Halle Administrative Court. Subsequent appellate decisions from October 21, 2026, also form part of the relevant legal context.

Will the conference address offshore gambling?
Yes. Several sessions will examine illegal market competition, enforcement strategies, payment solutions and industry cooperation.

Why is the 2026 conference relevant to gambling businesses?
The event offers industry participants an opportunity to discuss regulatory changes, player protection, licensing, product development and commercial opportunities in Germany.