Industry leaders look ahead to iGaming Germany 2026

With just three weeks remaining, the 6th Annual iGaming Germany 2026 will take place on 21–22 May 2026 at the NOVOTEL München Messe in Munich, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss how regulatory frameworks are becoming more defined, technology adoption is accelerating, and what this means for operators across the region.

At the same time, the industry’s push to channel more activity into licensed markets remains a central priority.

The event format reflects the current landscape. Day One will focus on regulation and compliance, while Day Two will split into dual streams covering online operations and the inaugural Gaming Retail Summit, recognising the growing convergence of digital and physical gaming environments.

Speaker spotlight: industry voices shaping the conversation

A distinguished lineup of speakers will provide practical insight and market perspective. Ahead of the event, five industry leaders shared what they will be exploring in Munich.

Dr Damir Böhm, CEO, Tipwin Ltd

On whether Germany’s current tax and regulatory model is genuinely fit for purpose, Böhm offered a measured but direct assessment:

“Germany deserves credit for building a serious regulatory framework and high player-protection standards. But sustainability is not measured by how strict a system looks on paper; it is measured by whether the legal market is competitive enough to channel customers away from illegal supply.

Official sources still indicate that a meaningful share of online gambling remains outside the regulated market, so the legal market is functioning, but not yet strongly enough to justify complacency.

In sports betting, the combination of a 5.3% stake-related tax, product restrictions, advertising limits and rising compliance costs has to be assessed against that reality. My honest view is simple: the model can work, but only if tax policy and regulatory policy are judged together against one key KPI – channelisation.”

With retail betting continuing to hold its ground against digital competition, Böhm challenged the idea that mobile has made physical betting shops obsolete:

“A mobile app can deliver speed and convenience. A betting shop delivers something different: shared sporting emotion.

For many customers, especially in retail, the shop is not just a point of sale; it is a place where sport is watched, discussed and experienced collectively in a controlled, face-to-face environment.

The fact that retail still represents a material share of Germany’s regulated sports betting market shows this channel remains highly relevant. Convenience can be digitised. Atmosphere, community and human presence cannot be fully replicated on a screen.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 Interstate Treaty evaluation and its implications for the wider DACH market, Böhm explained why structured industry dialogue has become essential:

“Munich matters because the market is at a point where legal precision and commercial reality have to be reconciled.

Germany is moving toward the full 2026 evaluation of the Interstate Treaty. The debate around channelisation is intensifying, and practical issues such as permits, renewals, enforcement, advertising and retail viability are no longer abstract.

A platform like iGaming Germany is valuable because it brings operators, lawyers, compliance leaders and policymakers into the same room to align on evidence, not ideology. In a market as regulated and interconnected as DACH, that kind of dialogue is not a luxury; it is infrastructure.”

Frank Schwarz, Managing Director, Sächsische Spielbanken GmbH-Co KG

Asked how a state-owned operator keeps pace with nimble, digital-first competitors, Schwarz pointed to a unique advantage:

“We combine the best of both worlds: the stability and strong reputation of state operators, alongside the flexibility and financial resources needed to bring digital offerings to market.

In addition, we’ve been operating in the gambling industry for over 300 years, which gives us significant depth of experience.”

On whether regulatory rigidity can coexist with innovation, Schwarz was unequivocal:

“Yes. This coexistence requires a level playing field within a given market.

What we are currently seeing in Germany is that regulation is being enforced in ways that restrict legal operators, while measures to block illegal operators remain too weak.”

Schwarz also emphasised the importance of bringing land-based and online operators together:

“All our offerings are dedicated to German customers, whether land-based or digitally focused.

In the interest of delivering the best possible experience, we look forward to engaging with different types of operators at iGaming Germany in Munich.”

Daniela Lanzolla, Chief Product Officer, OpenSlots

On balancing rapid innovation with stringent regulatory safeguards, Lanzolla described a technology-led approach:

“I ship fast, but every feature goes through a risk and regulation tool before marketing.

We have developed an in-house platform that integrates the EU AI Act, GDPR and the main EU gambling regulatory guidelines.”

Asked what will define the next generation of player engagement, Lanzolla offered a clear vision:

“A transparent personalisation layer on each game, showing exactly how it adapts to the player.

This would combat fatigue, build trust and give players greater agency.”

She also argued that supplier-operator relationships must become more collaborative:

“Real gains are made when data, risk and product decisions are made together, not post-sale.

This cohesion is especially crucial in regulated markets, where policy changes can create a cascade effect across the entire value chain.”

The full conversations will continue on stage in Munich, where the industry’s leading voices will gather to discuss the future of Germany’s evolving gaming ecosystem.

Registration now open

iGaming Germany 2026 takes place on 21–22 May at the NOVOTEL München Messe in Munich.

With just three weeks to go, the industry’s most important conversations are already taking shape.

Register now:
https://www.eventus-international.com/igg

Sponsorship enquiries:
Lou-Mari Burnett, Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]