iGG Day One Recap: a Gathering of Visionary Perspectives

The stage was set for an exhilarating intellectual journey today as iGaming Germany 2023 opened its doors to industry titans, legal authorities, and regulatory experts from around the world. With a sharp focus on the German gambling landscape, the conference kicked off with a dynamic lineup of sessions and panel discussions, igniting a thought-provoking exploration of challenges, potentials, and regulatory shifts within the industry.

Jan Feuerhake, Salary Partner at Taylor Wessing and Chairperson of iGG 2023, set the tone for the day with his captivating opening remarks. Participants were instantly captivated by his passion for the subject matter and his belief in the transformative power of the iGaming sector. The stage was then handed over to Mathias Dahms, President of the Executive Board of Deutscher Sportwettenverband, who delivered a keynote address that resonated with both industry insiders and newcomers alike. Dahms eloquently laid out the headwinds, challenges, and untapped potentials that await the gambling market in Germany.

Due to the long-lasting monopolies we had in Germany in the past year - the late regulation - we still have huge potential in the German market to be successful.

Mathias Dahms, President of the Executive Board, Deutscher Sportwettenverband

The conference's first panel discussion, "5 Months of a New Regime: How Has the iGaming Market Changed in Germany and What Challenges Lie Ahead," moderated by Dr. Joerg Hofmann, Head of the Betting & Gaming Group at Melchers Law Firm, set the intellectual gears in motion. Dr. Michael Auer, Stefan Kilpper, Maik Brodowski, Mathias Dahms, and Johannes Brecher formed an all-star lineup of panellists who dissected the evolving iGaming landscape in Germany and shared their expert perspectives on the challenges that lay ahead.

The networking tea break that followed provided a fertile ground for lively discussions and the exchange of ideas among attendees, who eagerly anticipated the subsequent panel discussion on the effectiveness of payment and IP blocking in Germany. Under the expert guidance of Jan Feuerhake, participants were treated to a riveting discussion featuring industry luminaries Gustaf Hoffstedt, Tom De Clercq, and Henrik Norsk Hoffman. As the panellists challenged conventional notions and explored alternative approaches, attendees absorbed insightful comments and actionable insights.

One important thing is that the regulator understands that if we shall be successful, we shall do this together with the licensed operators. And another, possibly the only repressive measure, is to add B2B licenses. I do believe that a functioning channelisation needs B2B licences.

Gustaf Hoffstedt, General Secretary, Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling

The quest for equilibrium in a regulated German iGaming market took centre stage in the next panel discussion. Oana-Adina Rusu, Head of Market Compliance at Greentube GmbH, skillfully guided the conversation on striking the delicate balance between compliance and player satisfaction. Joined by Dr. Fabian Masurat CIPP/E, Andreea Dobre, Jan Kretschmer, and Kevin Rieger, the panel unravelled strategies for maximizing compliance while ensuring an unparalleled user experience, prompting attendees to ponder the possibilities of harmonious coexistence between regulation and innovation.

The afternoon discussion continued as Bernd Henning, CEO of iGamingConsult.com, captivated the audience with his presentation on gaining competitive advantages for highly regulated operations. The subsequent panel discussions on the role of payment service providers during the licensing process and the comparative analysis of gaming advertising in Germany versus the EU further fueled prudent discussion. Panellists including Martin Arendts, Vanessa Hurt, Wojciech Trzaska, André Root, Christian Madlindl, David Altaner, Dr. Joerg Hofmann and Frank Hesse dazzled the audience with their expert insights and left them with much food for thought.

The day reached its climax with a panel discussion focused on putting players first by enhancing player protection and promoting responsible gaming in Germany. Moderated by Margarita Cruz, Commercial Director - International at M&A Strategic Consultancies, the panel featured luminaries such as Andreea Dobre, Tom De Clercq and Roman Nesshold.

As the sun sets on a day brimming with knowledge sharing and visionary insights, delegates now have the opportunity to unwind and further strengthen their professional connections during a networking drinks session. Against the backdrop of a stunning Munich evening, participants from various corners of the industry raised their glasses, celebrating the shared pursuit of innovation, responsible gaming, and a thriving regulated iGaming market in Germany. With minds buzzing and new connections forged, the stage is set for an even more remarkable Day Two of iGaming Germany 2023, where the event’s agenda continues to unveil the future of the industry.