DIMOCO gains GGL approval to launch carrier billing in German igaming
DIMOCO has received regulatory approval to offer carrier billing as a payment option in the German online gambling market, making it the first payment provider to be authorised for this method by the German regulator GGL.
The approval marks a significant development for the country's iGaming sector, which is currently the fourth-largest in Europe. NEO.bet, a German sportsbook owned by Greenvest Betting, will be the first operator in the country to introduce carrier billing as part of its payment offering following this accreditation.
Regulatory milestone
DIMOCO's entry into the German market follows the implementation of its model in other European countries, including Poland and Austria, where it provides carrier billing services to established operators, such as the Polish company STS. To secure clearance in Germany, DIMOCO partnered with Greenvest Betting to apply for approval from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the body responsible for gambling regulation in Germany.
The carrier billing model enables mobile network operators to act as agents of DIMOCO, allowing payments outside the traditional scope permitted under EU regulations. In this arrangement, DIMOCO retains responsibility for regulatory compliance and undertakes necessary know-your-customer (KYC) procedures for bettors.
Market advantages
Under the new authorisation, licensed German sports betting and casino operators will be able to provide carrier billing to their players up to the standard player limits set by the GGL. This could offer a new competitive edge for regulated operators, particularly as unlicensed providers face increasing pressure from both German authorities and regulators.
"We are honoured to have received official approval for our unique offering from the GGL and this recognition reinforces our dedication to providing secure and efficient payment solutions for the rapidly evolving German igaming industry," said Bettina Sommer, Senior Vice-President of Sales at DIMOCO.
Sommer detailed the potential impact of carrier billing in the country, pointing to local payment preferences and market conditions.
"Based on our experience in other European countries, we believe the addition of direct carrier billing will be very welcome in Germany, particularly given the country's extremely high level of smartphone penetration. Germans are known for favouring alternative methods of payment over credit and debit cards, and also for preferring simplified payment systems. Therefore, we expect the option to pay seamlessly from their mobile account to be very popular among players.
"In addition, due to the stringent requirements of both the GGL and mobile network operators, carrier billing will only be available to licensed operators. We therefore view it as something that could give regulated sportsbooks and casinos an advantage against unlicensed companies, which both the regulator and the government have expressed a desire to expel from the German market."
Industry collaboration
Galina Werner, Managing Director at Greenvest Betting, commented on the partnership and the process of gaining regulatory approval.
"We are excited that NEO.bet will be the first sports betting provider in Germany to offer carrier billing. The process of gaining approval from the GGL was lengthy and rigorous and DIMOCO proved the ideal partner to help us navigate this. We look forward to working together now this promising new payment option is authorised."
Context and future outlook
Industry reports, such as that from the European Gaming & Betting Association published in March, identify Germany as Europe's fourth-largest online gambling market by gross gaming revenues. The German market is notable for the rapid adoption of 5G mobile networks and smartphones. According to figures from the mobile network operator association GSMA, Germany had a mobile subscriber penetration rate of 87% and a smartphone adoption rate of 83% in 2024. The country is also forecast to have the highest number of smartphone connections in Europe by 2030, with estimates reaching 111 million devices.
Carrier billing is expected to appeal to a wide range of German players, given these high technology adoption rates and a preference for alternative payment systems. Under the new framework, only operators licensed in Germany will be permitted to offer carrier billing, with compliance requirements overseen by both the GGL and mobile network partners.
The introduction of carrier billing into Germany's regulated gaming market aligns with wider efforts by regulators and the government to increase the attractiveness of legal, licensed gambling services and reduce the market share of unlicensed providers.
