(AsiaGameHub) - With only three weeks left until the event, the 6th Annual iGaming Germany 2026 is set to occur on May 21–22, 2026, at the NOVOTEL München Messe in Munich. It will gather key industry players to explore how regulatory frameworks are growing more clear-cut, technology uptake is speeding up, and what these developments mean for operators throughout the area. Meanwhile, driving more activity into licensed channels continues to be a top priority for the entire sector.
The event’s structure mirrors the current industry scenario: Day One focuses on regulation and compliance, whereas Day Two divides into two parallel tracks—one covering online operations and the other hosting the inaugural Gaming Retail Summit, acknowledging the increasing integration of digital and physical gaming spaces.
Speaker Highlight: Industry Leaders Driving the Dialogue
An esteemed group of speakers will offer practical insights and market viewpoints. Before the event kicks off, we speak with five industry leaders to learn about the topics they’ll be delving into in Munich:
Dr. Damir Böhm, CEO, Tipwin Ltd.
When asked if Germany’s existing tax and regulatory framework is truly effective for its intended goals, Dr. Böhm provided a balanced yet straightforward evaluation:
Germany should be commended for establishing a robust regulatory framework and high standards for player protection. However, sustainability isn’t determined by how stringent a system appears on paper; it’s about whether the legal market is competitive enough to steer customers away from unlicensed operators. Official data still shows that a significant portion of online gambling activity remains outside the regulated space, meaning the legal market is operational but not yet strong enough to warrant complacency. For sports betting, the mix of a 5.3% stake-based tax, product limitations, advertising restrictions, and increasing compliance costs must be evaluated in light of this reality. So my candid opinion is: the model can succeed, but only if tax and regulatory policies are assessed together against a single key performance indicator—channelisation.
As retail betting maintains its position amid digital competition, Dr. Böhm challenged the idea that mobile platforms have rendered physical betting experiences irrelevant:
A mobile app offers speed and ease of use. A betting shop provides something distinct: shared excitement around sports. For many customers—particularly those who prefer retail—the shop isn’t just a place to place bets; it’s a space where sports are watched, discussed, and experienced together in a controlled, in-person setting. The fact that retail still accounts for a substantial share of Germany’s regulated sports betting market demonstrates that this channel remains very important. Convenience can be digitised, but atmosphere, community, and human interaction can’t be fully duplicated on a screen.
Looking forward to the 2026 evaluation of the Interstate Treaty and its implications for the wider DACH market, Dr. Böhm argued that structured industry discussions are now a necessity, not a choice.
Dr. Böhm added:
Munich is important because the market is at a juncture where legal exactness and commercial practicality need to be balanced. Germany is approaching the full 2026 evaluation of the Interstate Treaty, the conversation around channelisation is getting more intense, and practical issues like permits, renewals, enforcement, advertising, and retail sustainability are no longer theoretical. A platform like iGaming Germany is valuable because it brings operators, lawyers, compliance experts, and policymakers together in one space to align based on evidence, not ideology. In a market as regulated and interconnected as DACH, this type of dialogue isn’t a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure.
Frank Schwarz, Managing Director, Sächsische Spielbanken GmbH-Co KG
When asked how a state-owned operator stays competitive with agile, digital-first rivals, Schwarz highlighted an edge that no startup can copy:
We blend the best of two worlds: the stability and solid reputation of state-run operators, plus the flexibility and financial resources required to launch digital products. What’s more, we’ve been in the gambling industry for over 300 years—so we have a wealth of experience to draw from.
When queried whether “regulatory inflexibility” can coexist with a requirement to innovate, he responded:
Yes. Fundamentally, this coexistence demands a level playing field in the market. Right now in Germany, we’re seeing regulation being applied in a way that limits legal operators, while the measures to block unlicensed ones are insufficient.
When discussing the importance of a shared platform for land-based and online operators, Schwarz emphasized the customer:
All our services are focused on German customers—both those who prefer land-based options and those who are digitally inclined. To ensure we provide the best possible experience for our customers, we’re eager to engage in discussions with various types of iGaming operators in Munich.
Daniela Lanzolla, CPO, OpenSlots
When asked how she balances the need for rapid innovation with the technical “safety measures” mandated by strict regulations, Lanzolla shared an internal solution:
I release features quickly, but every new feature undergoes a risk and regulatory check using an internal tool before it’s marketed. We’ve built an in-house tool that integrates the EU AI Act, GDPR, and key EU Gambling Regulator Guidelines.
When asked what will set the next generation of player engagement apart from the current trend of similar products, Lanzolla had a clear answer:
A transparent personalization layer on each game that shows how it adjusts to the player. This would combat boredom, build trust, and give players more control over their experience.
When talking about why the supplier-operator relationship needs to move beyond a purely transactional one, Lanzolla advocated for earlier, more in-depth collaboration:
Genuine progress happens when data, risk management, and product development are decided collaboratively, not after a sale is made. This alignment is particularly important in a regulated environment where government changes have a ripple effect across the entire industry chain.
The complete discussions will unfold on stage in Munich, at an event that brings together the entire spectrum of Germany’s gaming ecosystem under one roof.
Registration Is Now Open
iGaming Germany 2026 will be held on May 21–22 at the NOVOTEL München Messe in Munich. With three weeks to go, the most important conversations are already starting to take form.
Sign up to attend.
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