Leading Casino Entertainment Provider Unanimously Approved as Member to Tackle Black-Market Challenges and Improve Channelisation
Play’n GO has announced that it has joined the Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV), the German Online Casino Association, to deepen its engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders across Germany. The company’s membership was unanimously approved by the association, with Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner DACH at Play’n GO, designated to represent the firm in its collaborative initiatives.
The DOCV represents the interests of the regulated online casino sector, fostering constructive dialogue between businesses, policymakers, and the public to support sustainable regulation, player protection, and fair competitive conditions. The partnership arrives at a critical juncture for Germany’s online gambling market as stakeholders evaluate how to enhance channelisation, combat illicit operators, and foster long-term stability for licensed businesses.
Executive Perspectives on Market Challenges and Advocacy
Addressing the commercial realities of the German market, Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, stated:
“Germany should be one of Europe’s great regulated online gaming markets, but commercially the current position is not good enough. Licensed operators are being asked to compete with illegal businesses that do not pay the same taxes, follow the same rules or meet the same standards of player protection.”
Olsson further noted that industry estimates place channelisation between 30% and 50%, underscoring that too much activity remains outside the regulated sphere.
Shawn Fluharty, Head of Government Affairs at Play’n GO, added:
“The test of effective advocacy is not whether the industry is heard. The test is whether it helps produce better outcomes. In Germany, that means stronger channelisation, meaningful action against illegal operators, fair competition for licensed businesses and regulation that protects players without driving them towards the black market.”
Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner DACH, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of open collaboration to address the unique regulatory and operational challenges facing the German jurisdiction.
