Crazybuzzer offline: Is the shakeout phase imminent?

CrazyBuzzer has been offline since the end of April 2025. The website states that CrazyBuzzer and SlotMagie are "now one". SlotMagie had previously been taken over by a subsidiary of the German Merkur Group. The former operator of SlotMagie, Mill Adventure Ltd, has already withdrawn from the German gaming market. So is a phase of market consolidation now imminent?

In the first quarter of 2023, a total of 29 licenses were issued for 70 portals in the "Virtual slot machines" category in Germany. In the first quarter of 2024, there were already 39 licenses for 120 portals. This figure fell for the first time in the last quarter of 2024 (37 licenses, 106 portals). In the second quarter of 2025, the number has since increased again slightly to 37 permits with 107 portals. GambleJoe last reported on which providers have a German gambling license in March 2023.

CrazyBuzzer offline: What are the reasons for the closure?

The online casino CrazyBuzzer has been down since the end of April this year. Although the website is still accessible, it is no longer possible to play or deposit here. Only a redirect to SlotMagie is offered here. SlotMagie has recently been operated by Solis Ortus Services Ltd, a subsidiary of the Merkur Group. The Maltese company The Mill Adventure Ltd. has sold the platform to the Merkur Group and thus bid farewell to the German online gaming market.

CrazyBuzzer alternative: How attractive is SlotMagie?

There is no official explanation as to why CrazyBuzzer is offline. The operators merely refer to regulatory hurdles in the simultaneous operation of several platforms under a German license. However, there is no question that an online casino will not be closed if it is economically viable. It can therefore be assumed that CrazyBuzzer was not in the black and was therefore closed. In the meantime, there is movement in the German casino landscape.

Experts predict a phase of market consolidation

There are now increasing signs that a phase of market consolidation is imminent. The recent merger of CrazyBuzzer and SlotMagie has only consolidated one offering. However, further takeovers or closures of German online casinos can be expected in the near future. At present, both increasing efficiency and the strategic bundling of digital offerings are becoming increasingly important for operators.

The fact that a serious data leak occurred at CrazyBuzzer, SlotMagie and Merkur Bets a few months ago is also likely to have been a decisive factor in the predicted phase of market consolidation. We at GambleJoe also reported on the hacker attack in mid-March of this year.

Why is the regulated online gaming market in Germany stagnating?

There are various reasons why the number of providers on the regulated online gambling market has not increased significantly for several quarters. For example, the licensing procedures in Germany are considered lengthy, complex and expensive. In the recent past, several gambling providers have already withdrawn from the licensing process and thus voluntarily refrained from obtaining a German license. Strict regulatory requirements for market entry make things even more difficult.

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Conclusion

While legal virtual slot machines in Germany are now facing a phase of consolidation after an early growth phase, illegal gambling providers are still present on the market. For this reason, many experts are already calling for more practical player protection regulations and faster approval processes. Overall, it will be interesting to see how the number of licensees and platforms for online slots will continue to develop this year.

Image source: https://www.crazybuzzer.de (screenshot - homepage)