Germany Survey: 36.4% Gambled in Past Year, 2.2% Meet Disorder Criteria
36.4% of Adults in Germany Gambled in the Past Year – National Survey Highlights Participation Levels and Risk Groups
Key Takeaways
- 36.4% of respondents in Germany reported gambling within the previous 12 months.
- The survey collected 12,340 responses from residents aged 16 to 70 between August 4 and November 26, 2025.
- 2.2% of adults aged 18 to 70 meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.
- Younger adults aged 18 to 35, particularly men and users of multiple gambling products, show higher vulnerability.
- The study was funded by Deutscher Lotto und Totoblock and conducted by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research in cooperation with the University of Bremen.
Survey Scope and Methodology
A national study released in 2025 provides updated data on gambling behavior across Germany. Researchers gathered 12,340 responses from residents aged 16 to 70. Data collection took place between August 4 and November 26, 2025, using a combination of phone interviews and online panels.
The project received funding from Deutscher Lotto und Totoblock. Academic oversight was provided by researchers from the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, working together with the gambling research unit of the University of Bremen. The study examined participation rates, spending patterns, and potential risks associated with different gambling products.
By combining survey data with established diagnostic criteria, the researchers aimed to measure not only how many people gamble, but also how gambling behavior overlaps with indicators of problematic play and other financial activities.
Participation Rates Remain Relatively Stable
According to the survey, 36.4% of respondents reported that they had participated in gambling at least once within the previous year. The study notes that overall participation levels remain relatively steady compared with 2021.
This figure covers a broad range of gambling products, although the survey summary does not break down participation by specific vertical such as lotteries, sports betting, or online casino gaming. The findings indicate that more than one in three adults in the surveyed age group engaged in some form of gambling activity during the period under review.
For users of betting and iGaming platforms, the data confirms that gambling continues to represent a mainstream leisure activity in Germany, with stable overall engagement over recent years.
2.2% Meet Criteria for Gambling Disorder
Beyond participation, the study assessed the prevalence of gambling disorder using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, commonly referred to as DSM-5.
Among adults aged 18 to 70, 2.2% meet the diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder. This measure is based on standardized clinical indicators rather than self assessment alone. The use of DSM-5 criteria provides a structured framework for identifying problematic gambling behavior.
The survey also examined behavioral patterns among players and explored overlaps between gambling activity and speculative financial trading. While detailed figures on this overlap were not provided in the summary, the inclusion of this topic reflects a broader research interest in how risk oriented financial behavior may intersect with gambling participation.
Younger Adults and Multi Product Users Show Higher Vulnerability
The data highlights specific groups with elevated vulnerability. Younger adults aged 18 to 35 show higher levels of risk, particularly men within this age bracket. In addition, individuals who use several gambling products are identified as a group with increased exposure to potential harm.
The survey does not quantify the exact rate of gambling disorder within these subgroups, but it points to a clear pattern of higher susceptibility compared with the general adult population. For operators and users alike, this distinction is relevant because it underscores how risk levels may differ depending on age, gender, and breadth of product engagement.
Understanding which demographic segments show higher vulnerability can inform discussions about player protection tools and responsible gambling measures.
Role of the OASIS Self Exclusion Register
The study references OASIS, a nationwide self exclusion register in Germany. OASIS allows individuals to block their access to gambling services across participating providers.
Self exclusion systems such as OASIS are designed to offer a formal mechanism for players who want to limit or stop their gambling activity. While the survey summary does not provide data on the number of registered users or the effectiveness of the system, its mention indicates that player protection infrastructure forms part of the broader regulatory environment assessed by researchers.
For users comparing gambling platforms in Germany, the existence of a centralized self exclusion register is a structural feature of the market that can directly affect access to licensed services.
Our Assessment
The 2025 national survey shows that gambling participation in Germany remains widespread, with 36.4% of adults reporting activity in the previous year. At the same time, 2.2% of adults aged 18 to 70 meet DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder, and younger adults aged 18 to 35, particularly men and multi product users, display higher vulnerability.
Based on 12,340 responses collected through phone and online surveys, and conducted by established research institutions, the findings provide an updated statistical snapshot of gambling behavior and associated risks in Germany. The inclusion of diagnostic criteria and reference to the OASIS self exclusion register places participation figures in the context of player protection and risk monitoring within the German market.
