European gambling rules face a key test: can tougher player protection curb harm without driving players to the black market?

David Schnabel outlines how MERKUR casinos aim to combine growth, responsibility and modern guest experiences in Germany and beyond.

The Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 returns to Berlin to discuss regulation, player protection and the future of German iGaming.

The black market will determine whether the 2026 State Treaty on Gaming is considered a success—because only a strong legal market can enable effective player protection.

OASIS is Germany’s central player exclusion system. With billions of checks each year, it will be pivotal in the 2026 evaluation of gambling regulation.

The 23rd Gambling Symposium 2026 in Hohenheim examines regulation, black market dynamics and AI-driven player protection.

Mathias Moser will take over as CEO of the Swiss Casino Association in March 2026. He succeeds Marc Friedrich, who is retiring after 19 years.

ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone opens with €80,000 in donations, supporting four international safer gambling organisations across Europe and Latin America.

ICE Barcelona launches with an €80,000 charity fund as the Sustainable Gambling Zone sets a new benchmark for safer gambling in 2026.

GamblePause becomes Clarion Gaming’s Safer Gambling Charity Partner 2026, supporting ICE Barcelona, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE with player protection.

“The Compass Series shows how ISA-GUIDE turns responsible gaming and player protection into practical, self-guided tools for gamblers.”

Gamecheck becomes headline sponsor of the Sustainable Gambling Zone at ICE Barcelona, reinforcing its commitment to player protection.