The Deutschen Lotto- und Totoblock (DLTB) has reported that total sales among the state lotteries of Germany’s 16 states rose above €4bn (£3.44bn/$4.73bn) in the first half of 2021, up 15.3% from 2020, with €1.6bn in profit directed back into state budgets.
Jürgen Häfner, managing director of Lotto Rheinland-Pfalz, which currently leads the DLTB, pointed out that this money allows for a great deal of funding of public services across Germany.
“That means around €61.5m per week flows to public services. Without this money, a lot of things would not be possible,” Häfner said.
Lotto 6aus49 was the most popular game with stakes of €2.05bn, also up 15.3%
“We have managed to make our classic fit for the future,” Häfner said. “Since then, the number of millionaires has quadrupled.
“The well-known phrase ‘It’s like winning the lottery’ has become more topical. In addition, the jackpot can now rise more quickly into the double-digit millions and grow to a maximum of €45m.”
During the six-month period, 87 players won prizes of €1m or more and 434 won prizes of at least €100,000.
Häfner also commented on the new German State Treaty on Gambling, which came into effect a week ago (1 July). The new state treaty would allow for online casino products across all of Germany for the first time, but also carries strict regulations, including a €1 spin cap for slots and a €1,000 deposit limit across all operators. In addition, online slots and poker are taxed at 5.3% of stakes, which has led to legal challenges from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and trade association Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV).
“The state parliaments have consistently spoken out in favor of the new gaming regulation with clear cross-party majorities,” Häfner said. “Overall, around 90% of all state parliament members voted in favor of the State Treaty.
“This comprehensive political consensus is a great success.”
Häfner added that DLTB members will work to ensure strong player protection under the treaty.
“We guarantee effective player and youth protection as well as an effective fight against addiction, and we welcome the preservation and strengthening of the lottery monopoly,” he said.
