Gaming in Germany Conference Announces Preliminary Agenda for 2026 in Berlin

The Gaming in Germany Conference has announced the preliminary agenda for its 2026 edition, which will take place on Tuesday, November 10, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku'damm in Berlin. The program will primarily address the ongoing evaluation of the State Treaty on Gaming of 2021 (GlüStV 2021), strategies to curb unauthorized offshore gaming, and discussions on the legality of new product categories such as prediction bets, sweepstakes, and eSports betting.

Regulatory Approaches and Legal Framework: The Core of Gaming in Germany

The agenda includes detailed analyses of the implementation and review of the GlüStV 2021, which regulates the German gambling market since its entry into force. There will be discussions on how authorities and operators can counter unregulated offers from abroad, as well as admission criteria for new types of products. The event will also cover updates on online casino licenses (table games) at the state level in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Baden-Württemberg. These issues will be addressed from both regulators' and industry experts' perspectives.

New Products and Opportunities Following the Opening of Prediction Betting and eSports

The authorization of new product categories—including prediction betting and eSports betting—emerges as one of the most relevant points of the program. Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany, stated:

“All these topics are highly relevant for running a successful iGaming business in Germany. The ability to offer new products is always exciting, and the opening of the regulated online casino market in Austria will bring fresh opportunities to operators already active in the German-speaking sphere.” (Willem van Oort)

The agenda will dedicate a specific block to analyzing regulatory changes in Austria and the future of active gaming monopolies in both Germany and Austria. Contributions are expected on the transition these markets face due to competition and regulatory reforms.

Featured Speakers and Specific Sessions on Licensing and B2B

The initial program confirms the participation of key speakers such as a senior representative from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), along with recognized experts: Dr. Joerg Hofmann (Melchers Law Firm), Dr. Dirk Quermann (Deutscher Online Casinoverband), and Mathias Dahms (Deutscher Sportwettenverband). A block dedicated to the issue of the black market will feature Alexander Müller (Board Member, FDP), Vasiliki Panousi (Kaizen), Christian Heins (European Gambling Gathering), and Thore Sieck (Adyen).

Other sessions focus on:

• Licensing and B2B opportunities in online casinos in North Rhine-Westphalia (Dr. Carsten Bringmann, Noerr)
• EU law and state monopolies (Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna)
• Perspective on future concessions after 2027 (Dr. Damir Boehm, Tipwin)
• Practical impact of the new European regulations on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (Jochen Biewer, Chevron Group)

Additional presentations on market data will be offered by Josh Hodgson (H2 Gambling Capital) and Jeffrey Haas (Blask Business Intelligence).

B2B Perspectives and Regional Context for the iGaming Industry

The focus on obtaining licenses and adapting to new regulations in both Germany and Austria opens options for operators and B2B providers interested in expanding their reach in the German-speaking space. The conference will facilitate key insights into current and developing regulatory models, as well as discussions on opportunities and challenges for businesses involved in casino and sports betting.

Sessions on regulatory practices and perspectives in Austria and Germany will allow participants to assess the implications for the development and expansion of operations in both markets. The program also responds to the expectation of a more competitive regulatory environment in the region.

Registration and Considerations for Attendees

Registration for the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 is now open. The event promises access to the most current regulatory analyses, networking opportunities, and unique perspectives based on the experience of leading actors in the gambling sector in Central Europe.

The confirmed presence of GGL members underscores the importance of this gathering for those monitoring the evolution of German legislation. The planned discussions on EU AML/CFT regulation and access to new gaming modalities will be of interest to operators, legal advisors, regulators, and compliance-focused service providers aiming for strategic growth in the industry.