Mobile segment growth

The mobile segment has become a key driver for the development of online gambling in Germany. A few years after the entry into force of GlüStV 2021, the smartphone actually replaced the desktop browser as the main channel of interaction between players and licensed operators. This shift affected not only user habits, but also game design, payment methods, control systems and advertising policies.

1) Scale of growth

According to industry estimates, more than 70% of all bets and spins in the licensed segment are made through mobile devices.

In sports betting, the share of mobile betting exceeds 80%, especially during Bundesliga broadcasts.

Online slots and live games are adapted for portrait orientation and touch control, which reduces the gap between the application and the desktop version.

Even traditional players previously focused on PCs are gradually switching to smartphones due to the convenience of deposits, biometric login and instant notifications.

2) Applications and licensing

After 2021, operators began to release official licensed applications that have been verified by GGL and meet strict data protection requirements.

Applications are available in the German App Store and Google Play if the operator is certified.

All interfaces must have built-in responsible play tools - limits, time reminders, access to OASIS.

The built-in browser versions remain relevant, but applications benefit in retention: push notifications and built-in bonus mechanics keep the user engaged.

3) Payment innovations

• Sofort, Giropay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay are the main tools of licensed operators.
• Hybrid wallets with instant KYC verification, support for multicurrents and crypto options (BTC, ETH, USDT) have appeared.
• The global trend for biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID) increases the level of trust and convenience.

4) UX and game design for mobile format

German studios and providers have adapted interfaces for short gaming sessions and minimalistic design.

Single-finger control, dynamic buttons, FPS optimization and interface contrast are all smartphone-centric.

Games are created in HTML5 format, without the need for a separate client.

For live games, adaptive cameras and vertical streams are introduced, allowing you to comfortably play with one hand.

5) Control and responsibility

The regulator GGL has increased its attention to mobile products, as they are often the entry point for young users.

All applications are audited for transparency of bonuses and inadmissibility of "hidden triggers."

Advertising notifications (push banners, SMS, email) must comply with Jugendschutz and not be intrusive.

Through API integrations, GGL receives metrics for limits, OASIS checks and age validation.

6) Impact on operators

• The microservices approach and cloud CDNs reduce latency and provide a stable stream even with a weak signal.
• BI systems record not only game metrics, but also mobile behavior: session time, screen orientation, click path.
• Marketing budgets have shifted towards mobile performance - TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat.

7) Outlook 2025-2030

Growth of AR and VR mechanics for smartphones (mini-VR casinos, AR bets).

Simplified verification through NFC passports and EU biometric hubs.

Smart notifications: AI systems will adapt the frequency of the pooches based on the player's pattern of behavior and level of risk.

The possible appearance of hybrid licenses for mobile mini-games if the market shows steady demand and the regulator provides control.

Bottom line.

The growth of the mobile segment has changed the entire structure of the German gambling market. The smartphone has become not just a device, but the main platform for interaction between the operator, player and regulator. Further development will follow the "mobile-first-compliance" line: innovation in UX, AI personalization and instant payments - with unconditional compliance with GGL rules and protection of players.