Gambling is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorite pastimes. This hardly surprises anyone who is familiar with the thrill of placing bets and awaiting the outcome. Both land-based and online casinos offer a wide range of gaming options. It might be an exaggeration to say that Germans love to gamble, but according to statistics, the industry generated an estimated revenue of €16.9 billion in 2019.
Germany is among the countries with the most stable economies in the European Union. People are relatively affluent, and the standard of living is high. These factors create favorable conditions for a healthy gambling market. However, the German authorities are not particularly friendly toward gambling.
Overview of the German Gambling Laws
The gambling landscape in Germany is somewhat reminiscent of that in the United States. Germany has no nationwide regulations on gambling; instead, each state sets its own rules for the industry within its borders. Consequently, permissible forms of gambling are determined by state law rather than federal law. Let us start from the beginning.
After World War II, Germany’s gambling industry came to a halt. The country then enacted legislation that allowed individual states to craft their own legal frameworks and govern the industry accordingly. Early German laws focused on two main sectors of gambling, namely lotteries and sports betting. It is worth noting that most states were reluctant to approve casino gambling.
In 2008, lawmakers passed the Interstate Gambling Treaty (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), which banned all forms of online gambling except sports betting and horse racing, and only when offered by a state-owned operator. In 2010, however, the European Court of Justice ruled that the Treaty violated EU competition laws, prompting significant changes.
The decision opened the door for further amendments, and in 2012 a revised treaty was adopted, permitting online lotteries, interstate lotteries, jackpots, and casino advertising. It also allowed up to 20 independent bookmakers to operate.
The issue persisted. In 2014, several court rulings prevented the Hessian Ministry from issuing those 20 licenses. At the start of 2016, the Court of Justice found that existing sports betting laws and certain licensing procedures in Germany were non-compliant, so legislators amended the treaty once more. Under the updated legislation, there are now no limits on the number of available licenses.
What about Online Casinos?
Which Gambling Activities are Currently Legal in Germany?Popular Payment Methods
Before diving into online gambling, you should carefully choose the payment method you will use for deposits and withdrawals. Not all payment solutions offered by a casino are equal; they can vary in fees, processing times, and security. Therefore, review the available options and select the one that best suits your needs.
German players should also know that Visa has been officially removed from their list of available payment methods. Interestingly, in 2019 PayPal announced that it would stop processing payments from German players. Fortunately, several other trustworthy payment methods are tailored to the needs of German casino fans.
Web Wallets
Prepaid Cards
Internet Payment Methods
CryptocurrenciesExclusive Casino Promotions for German Players
Online gambling is highly competitive, with thousands of websites vying for your wagers. To capture players’ attention, web-based casinos offer lucrative bonuses for new customers as well as ongoing rewards for loyal patrons. These incentives help each casino stand out.
Players naturally seek the best value for their money. While some operators provide more generous promotions than others, you should always review the accompanying bonus terms.
Sign-up Bonuses
No Deposit Bonuses
Cashback Bonuses
Loyalty ProgramsMost Prominent Software Providers
Software providers are the backbone of every reputable web-based casino because they supply the gaming content. They shape game design, special features, quality, and mobile compatibility. In this highly competitive arena, developers strive to deliver unique gaming titles.
Each provider must also reassure players of a game’s fairness. For that reason, all games rely on a random number generator (RNG) to guarantee unbiased outcomes. German players can enjoy titles from several top-tier software companies, including:
Evolution Gaming
Playtech
Microgaming
Betsoft
YggdrasilTop 10 Online Casinos in Germany
The online gambling industry is booming, with new gaming sites appearing every day. For beginners, choosing the right online casino can be confusing, so here are some tips to help you decide. Before creating an account, verify the casino’s licensing status and read player reviews.
Next, examine the game selection. Opt for sites that offer both diversity and quality, preferably through partnerships with leading software providers.
Finally, review the available payment methods and ensure they support the currency you plan to use. Following these steps will reduce the risk of losing your bankroll to disreputable websites. Below, we have listed some established web-based casinos that welcome players from Germany.
888Casino
Slots Magic
Casino Joy
SlotV Casino
King Billy Casino
BitStarz Casino
Omni Slots
Speedy Casino
PlayOjo Casino
LeoVegas Casino