Play’n GO Joins Germany’s DOCV Online Casino Association After Unanimous Approval
Play’n GO has joined the Deutscher Online Casinoverband (DOCV), the German Online Casino Association, as it increases its engagement with policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders in Germany. In its announcement on 30 September 2026, the supplier confirmed that its membership was unanimously approved by the association, with Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner DACH at Play’n GO, serving as the company’s representative in its work.
Rather than treat the membership as a formality, Play’n GO has paired it with direct commentary on the state of Germany’s regulated market, arguing that too much activity is taking place outside the licensed system and that the legal offer needs to be one players actively choose to use.
Play’n GO becomes a unanimously approved DOCV member
The DOCV represents the interests of the regulated online casino industry and provides a forum for dialogue between businesses, policymakers, authorities, the media and the public. Its work is focused on sustainable regulation, fair competitive conditions, player protection and a viable regulated online gambling market in Germany.
Play’n GO’s membership was unanimously approved by the association, and the company will contribute experience drawn from regulated markets worldwide. Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner DACH, will represent Play’n GO in the association’s work.
What Magnus Olsson said about Germany’s regulated market
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, said: “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.
“There is also a fundamental disagreement about the true scale of the problem. Industry estimates place channelisation between 30 and 50 per cent, while the official position is significantly higher. Whichever figure one accepts, too much activity is taking place outside the regulated market, and that should concern everyone who wants German regulation to succeed.
“Good regulation must protect players, but it must also create a licensed market that players actively choose to use. If regulation makes the legal offer materially less attractive while illegal operators remain easily accessible, it risks pushing customers in precisely the wrong direction.
“We know that Germany has enormous potential. Play’n GO has made long-term decisions in support of the regulated market, including walking away from substantial unlicensed business. We did that because we believe sustainable commercial growth and strong regulation must go together.
“Now the collective priority must be to improve channelisation, confront black-market activity and give responsible, licensed operators a fair opportunity to compete.”
What Shawn Fluharty said about the role of a trade association
Shawn Fluharty, Head of Government Affairs at Play’n GO, added: “A trade association should be much more than a logo on a member’s website or another room in which the industry talks to itself. Its job is to organise credible businesses around clear objectives, bring evidence and practical solutions to policymakers, and make sure regulation works in the real world as well as it does on paper.
“That is why Play’n GO joins organisations such as the DOCV. We want to be at the table, contributing our international experience, challenging ideas where necessary and working constructively with others who are committed to the success of the regulated market.
“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.
“No single company, regulator or association can deliver that alone. Progress requires licensed operators, suppliers, policymakers and enforcement bodies to work from a shared understanding of the problem and accept responsibility for solving it. We are joining the DOCV because we intend to be an active participant in that work, and because Germany is simply too important for responsible companies to remain on the sidelines.”
What the DOCV does for Germany’s online casino industry
The DOCV represents members before authorities, legislative bodies and other associations, advocates for fair competitive and taxation conditions, and provides information concerning the economic, social and legal development of casino markets. Its statutory purposes also include research into gambling-related harm and cooperation with organisations dedicated to addiction prevention and the protection of minors.
What Melanie Hainzer said about the opportunity in Germany
Melanie Hainzer, Market Owner DACH at Play’n GO, added: “There is a real opportunity to build a stronger and more sustainable regulated market in Germany, and I am looking forward to working closely with the DOCV and its members.
“Play’n GO will bring a supplier perspective shaped by experience across many regulated jurisdictions, but we will also be there to listen, learn and contribute to practical solutions. Germany’s challenges cannot be solved by one part of the industry alone, and I am optimistic about what can be achieved through open, consistent and constructive collaboration.”
The membership reflects Play’n GO’s stated long-standing commitment to regulated markets and its belief that lasting industry growth must be built on effective regulation, responsible entertainment and high standards of business conduct.
Source: Play’n GO
