Online Gambling in Germany

Background

Germany’s approach to online gambling regulation has undergone significant changes over the years. Initially, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV) enacted in 2008 imposed strict restrictions, effectively banning all foreign iGaming operators. This led to legal challenges and criticism, particularly from the European Commission, which deemed the restrictive measures inconsistent with EU laws on the free movement of services.

In September 2010 The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Germany’s online betting monopolies were a violation of EU law. Industry commentators claimed at the time the decision would make it hard for German authorities to maintain regulations enforcing a closed market. Bwin and PartyGaming shares rose significantly following the announcement.

In response, Germany introduced the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2012, allowing limited online sports betting licenses. However, this too faced legal challenges with the ECJ ruling it still infringed EU law in the Ince case.

Third time’s a charm. To address these issues and create a more comprehensive regulatory framework, the new State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielneuregulierungsstaatsvertrag, GlüNeuRStV) came into force on July 1, 2021, legalising and regulating a  range of online gambling activities across all 16 federal states.

Current Regulations

The GlüNeuRStV establishes a unified regulatory framework for online gambling in Germany overseen by newly established national regulator, the Glücksspielbehörde (GGL).

  • Licensing: Peer to peer poker, sports betting, and virtual slot machines are legal but require a licenses from GGL. Operators must meet stringent criteria regarding financial stability, integrity, and compliance with technical standards.
  • Player Protection: Strong player protection measures include mandatory deposit limits (€1,000 per month across all operators), self-exclusion options, and the implementation of responsible gambling tools. A central player database is maintained to monitor and enforce these limits and exclusions.
  • Advertising Restrictions: Advertising is allowed but heavily regulated to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable groups. Advertisements must include responsible gambling messages and adhere to specific time restrictions
  • Taxation: Online gambling operators are subject to a 5.3% tax on stakes for virtual slot machines and online poker.
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Compliance with AML regulations is mandatory, including customer due diligence (KYC checks) and monitoring/reporting suspicious activities.

Permitted online casino games

Virtual slot machines are the only category of online casino game permitted across all 16 federal states under GGL license.

With regard to classic tables games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat, the GlüNeuRStV confers powers on each state to decide whether these games can be offered online. Without a state license, live dealer blackjack, roulette, baccarat or any other live games are not able to be offered by GGL licensed operators.

Reasons given for the exclusion were that a cautious, incremental approach was being taken to liberalisation and that:

  • live dealer games provide a more immersive and realistic gambling experience, potentially increasing the risk of gambling addiction, and
  • RNG slots operating on pre-determined algorithms that can be audited and controlled more easily.

States issuing online casino game licenses

In September 2024, Schleswig-Holstein became the first German state to issue licences allowing operators to offer a broader range of online casino games to state residents. Live dealer games are included in the list of permitted games.

Tipico was among the first round recipients.

Major Operators

Several global iGaming brands have entered the regulated German market under the new framework. Around 30 companies are licensed to offer ‘Virtuelle Automatenspiele’ and do so under a longer list of ‘.de’ domains. Some of the better known brands include:

  • Bet365: A major international operator offering sports betting, RNG slots, and poker, now licensed to operate in Germany.
  • 888: Offers a comprehensive suite of online gambling products, including sports betting, RNG slots, and poker, and is licensed to operate in Germany.
  • Bwin: A well-known brand offering sports betting and RNG slots under the new regulatory framework in Germany.
  • Tipico: A leading sports betting provider in Germany, offering a wide range of sports betting options both online and through retail outlets as well as RNG games online.
  • Leo Vegas: Renowned for its mobile platform, Leo Vegas operates under the new regulations, providing various RNG slot games to German players.

Best live casinos for German players

Germans wanting to play live dealer games online are restricted to unlicensed operators.