Gambling is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorite pastimes. And that barely surprises anyone familiar with the thrill of placing bets and expecting the outcome. Both land-based and online casinos offer a huge number of gaming options. Maybe it will be a bit exaggerated to say that Germans love to gamble, but according to statistics, the estimated revenue of the industry was €16.9 billion in 2019.
Germany is among the countries with the most stable economy in the European Union. People are relatively affluent and the life standard is good. This sets good conditions for the development of a healthy gambling market. However, the German authorities are not particularly friendly towards gambling.

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Overview of the German Gambling Laws
The situation in Germany somehow reminds of the USA. Germany has no universal regulations on gambling that govern the market throughout the whole country. Each state is allowed to set its own rules regarding the gambling industry within its borders. This means that the permitted forms of gambling fall under state laws instead of federal laws. But let us start from the beginning.
World War II witnessed the end of the gambling industry in Germany. Afterwards, Germany crafted a new law, allowing individual states to establish their legal framework on the matter and thus, govern this industry according to it. The German laws included two main facets of the gambling industry, and more precisely lotteries and sports betting. We must note that the states were not enthusiastic to embrace the idea of allowing casino gambling.
In 2008, the legislators passed a law called the Interstate Gambling Treaty or Glücksspielstaatsvertrag to ban all forms of online gambling except for sports betting and horse racing only if it is offered by a state-owned establishment. In 2010 things changed drastically, after the European Supreme Court stated that the Treaty is violating the EU laws regarding fair competition.
This paved the way for new changes and in 2012 a new treaty was passed, allowing online lotteries, interstate lotteries, jackpots, and casino advertising. In addition to that, the amended treaty would allow 20 bookmakers to offer their services independently of the state.
But that did not solve the problem as in 2014 the Hessian Ministry was prevented from issuing 20 licenses by several court decisions. At the beginning of 2016, the Court of Justice decided that the current laws that govern the sports betting industry in Germany and some key aspects of the sports betting licensing procedure were against the rules. Hence, the legislators needed to amend once again the treaty. Under the amended piece of legislation, there are no restrictions regarding the number of available licenses.
What about Online Casinos?
Prior to passing the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) in 2008, online gambling was unregulated in Germany. In fact, Internet gambling was not mentioned in any of the laws before the ISTG. Initially, all 16 German states joined the treaty. In 2012, the state of Schleswig-Holstein made a very interesting move and decided to allow online gambling operations. What is more, the state even issued a number of licenses to operators, including PokerStars and 888.
Unfortunately, the new governor decided to overturn the previous state government’s decision just one year later. On the bright side, the already licensed operators could keep on providing their services until 2018. In May 2019, the state decided to renew these licenses. Currently, the license holders include:
- Cashpoint (Malta) Ltd.
- ODDSET Deutschland Sportwetten GmbH
- Bwin ElectraWorks Ltd.
- Bet-at-home.com Internet Ltd.
- Deutsche Sportwetten GmbH
- Betfair Polco Ltd.
- Bernd Hobiger Wettbüro Goldesel
- Albers Wettbörsen Deutschland oHG mbH
- Star Sportwetten GmbH
- Admiral GmbH
- Oddsline Entertainment AG
- Primebet International Ltd.
- Digibet Ltd.
- Ladbrokes International PLC
- Bet90 Ltd.
- Mybet Personal Exchange International Ltd.
- Intermedia GmbH
- RULEO Alpenland GmbH
- Racebets International Gaming Ltd.
- Bet3000 IBA Entertainment Ltd.
Which Gambling Activities are Currently Legal in Germany?
In all states except for Schleswig-Holstein online casino gaming is prohibited under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. In the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Ministry of the Interior is in charge of regulating and supervising the online gambling activities. Playing online poker is also forbidden. On the bright side, this might change soon, as in 2020, lawmakers approved gambling regulations to legalize online poker and casinos from 1st July 2021.
Online bingo is considered a lottery game and hence, it is governed by the state monopoly. Placing bets on horse and sports racings is allowed and it is the Regional Council of Darmstadt that is responsible for betting licensing.
Popular Payment Methods
Prior to plunging into online gambling adventures, you need to carefully choose which payment method you will use for making deposits and withdrawing your earnings. Not all payment solutions that a certain casino offers are created equal. They might differ in terms of charges, payment processing times, safety, etc. Hence, you should examine which is the most advantageous option for you.
German players should be informed that Visa is officially removed from the payment solutions available to them. Interestingly enough, in 2019, PayPal also announced that it will stop accepting payments from German players. But there are other trustworthy payment methods that are designed to serve the needs of German casino buffs.




Web Wallets
German players can upload funds to their gaming accounts or withdraw winnings via Neteller or Skrill. These are the two most reputable e-Wallets that are known for their promptness and safety. Once you make a deposit, the funds will appear on your account instantly. In case you make a withdrawal, you should know that it will take up to 24 until you receive your profits.
We must note that online wallets are among the best options for casino enthusiasts as these are easy to use and the charges are kept to the minimum level. In addition to that, you are not required to share your bank details with the casino operator, which is yet another great advantage.
Prepaid Cards
The most well-known prepaid cards adopted as payment solutions by a huge number of German-friendly online casinos are Paysafecard and ecoCard. In case you decide to use prepaid cards as a preferred payment solution, you should be aware of the fact that these do not support withdrawals. On the other hand, prepaid cards come with a good-enough number of advantages, and more precisely anonymity, instant money transfers, and reliability.
Internet Payment Methods
German casino fans can make use of several online banking systems, including Giropay, Citadel Direct, and Sofort. These are extremely easy to use and a good-enough number of banks collaborate with these online banking systems. Deposits are processed at the moment, while pulling out funds might take up to several days as this type of payment solution is bank dependent.
Please note that the payment service provider might impose certain fees on your transactions. On the other hand, the internet payment processors that are at the disposal of
Cryptocurrencies
Many casinos adopted cryptocurrencies as a payment method. These exploded in popularity just a few years ago and it seems that a huge number of operators are stimulating their players to benefit precisely from this payment solution. There are various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc.
Some casinos are even accepting payments only via cryptocurrencies and that barely surprises anyone familiar with the benefits of this payment solution, and namely no bank fees, promptness, and anonymity. What is more, it is not impossible to come across a virtual casino that offers special bonuses available only to players who make their deposits via any of the supported cryptocurrencies.
Exclusive Casino Promotions for German Players
Online gambling is a highly competitive industry. There are thousands of gambling websites where you can place bets. To draw the players’ attention, web-based casinos started offering lucrative bonuses for newly registered players as well as for already existing casino mavens. That is what makes each online casino unique.
Needless to say, players are looking for the most value for their money. Some casinos offer better promotions than others, but players should also keep their eyes open for the bonus-related terms.
Sign-up Bonuses
Every online casino offers a welcome bonus specially designed for its newcomers. These bonuses are usually the largest ones and they consist of a certain sum of bonus funds expressed as a percentage amount based on your first deposit.
For example, if a casino offers a 100% match bonus, you will have your deposit doubled. Operators usually set a maximum limit on the amount you can claim as bonus funds. What is more, some new-player bonuses also offer free spins as part of the Welcome Package.
The free spins are usually intended for playing a particular slot game designated by the casino. Some casinos will cover your first several consecutive deposits, but keep in mind that each deposit bonus is associated with wagering requirements. In some cases, the free spins are offered in increments, so that the operator can keep the players’ attention for longer.
No Deposit Bonuses
These bonuses do not require players to make a deposit in order to claim them. Many web-based casinos started to offer such bonuses in an attempt to bring new players on board. No deposit bonuses provide an opportunity to try a certain casino in a risk-free manner. In that way, newcomers will be able to test the waters and decide if this is the casino that best suits their needs.
In addition to that, you can win real money thanks to the no deposit bonuses in case you clear the wagering requirements within a designated time frame. Please note that no deposit bonuses might come with higher wagering requirements than other promotions and that is because players do not need to make a deposit. To prevent themselves from significant losses, casino operators restrict the amount of money you are allowed to withdraw from your no deposit bonus.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses vary significantly between operators. In case you benefit from a cashback bonus, you will get back some of the money you lost over a specific time frame or a category of games. The amount you will get is based on a specific percentage set by the casino operator. The cashback bonus is usually offered on a specific day of the week, month, or it can be also once-off promotion.
Keep in mind that in most cases your losses should exceed a certain amount in order to claim a cashback promotion. Please note that some casinos offer cashback deals in case you played without an active bonus. The more you lose, the more the cashback percentage rate climbs up.
Loyalty Programs
Even though some casinos do not offer loyalty programs, there is a huge number of gambling sites that do feature them. Hence, we would like to cast some light on these loyalty programs. Just as its name suggests, the loyalty program is designed for the patrons of a certain casino.
To get involved in the loyalty program of a certain casino, you should be a consistent player. They are quite various, but one of the most common VIP schemes to be found is based on multiple tires. You will begin at the lowest tier and depending on your gambling activity, you can work your way up the tiers that are associated with better deals.
Most Prominent Software Providers
Software providers are at the heart of all good web-based casinos as they are the ones that provide the gaming content. Hence, they determine the design of the games, their special features, the quality, mobile compatibility, etc. Having in mind the stiff competition, software suppliers are sparing no efforts to provide unique gaming titles.
In addition to that, each software provider aims at convincing its casino fans into the fairness of the games. Consequently, the games are all based on the random number generator (RNG) that is responsible for the unbiased outcomes. German players are able to enjoy games provided by some top-tier software companies, including:





Evolution Gaming
This is one of the most recognizable software companies that was founded in 2006. Over the years, Evolution Gaming managed to establish an untarnished reputation and strong relations with various casino operators. Currently, the company offers an unprecedented number of live dealer games that utilize the latest technology. In 2019, the company announced that it penned a deal with the Germans leading online betting site bet-at-home.com.
Playtech
Is a leading provider of online gaming solutions with a fantastic portfolio. The company’s diverse selection of games appealed to the interest of many casino operators who decided to join hands with Playtech. This software company is an epitome of perfection.
The games feature crisp graphics, entertaining themes, and intriguing rewards. Founded in 1999, the company managed to acquire enough knowledge and currently, it has the capacity to impress players with various interests. Thanks to its license issued by the UK Gambling Commission, Playtech offers its fantastic products.
Microgaming
This software company is yet another heavyweight on the iGaming scene. Unveiled in 1994, Microgaming has always been dedicated to providing the best gaming options to casino enthusiasts. The company offers various game genres such as table games, slots, special games, and others.
It is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and its games are adopted by a remarkable number of casinos. There is barely any aspiring casino enthusiast who has never heard of Microgaming. The company’s praise-worthy products are among the players’ favorites.
Betsoft
This software provider has turned into a real master in creating 3D slot games. If you are wondering what these 3D slots are, here is the answer – 3D slots provide players with a third-perspective illusion. Needless to say, this is not the only genre Betsoft offers. You can find a good-enough number of video and classic slots, table games, and others.
The company was established in 2006 and currently, it collaborates with over 500 online casinos. It is interesting to mention that this software provider is focused on providing a first-class mobile gaming experience. Hence, the games adapt well to any screen size.
Yggdrasil
This software provider has been around since 2013 and it operates under a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. Yggdrasil started its career by producing only slots but eventually, the supplier enriched its gaming portfolio with other genres. Yggdrasil works with many casino operators that aim at fascinating their fans with quality gaming products.
This company has always been dedicated to creating A1 titles that feature cinematic graphics and interesting storylines. To top up players’ experience, Yggdrasil’s games are compatible with various Android and iOS-based handheld devices.
Top 10 Online Casinos in Germany
The online gambling industry keeps on booming and a huge number of gaming sites are sprouting up every day. For rookie players, it might be very confusing to choose an online casino to play at. Hence, we would like to give you some tips that will help you make the right decision. Before you set up an account at any web-based casino, you need to check their licensing status. We would also advise you to read some reviews from other players.
Another important thing is to have a look at the game selection. It is always better to go for gaming sites that offer diversity and quality. For that reason, select online casinos that collaborate with top-shot software providers.
When you are considering your options, cast a glance on the payment options a certain casino offers and check if these support the currency you intend to make deposits in. In that way, you will minimize your chances of losing your bankroll to rigged websites. In the lines below, we will provide you with a list of some proven web-based casinos that accept players from Germany.










888Casino
In case you are looking for a new casino stop where you can enjoy a fun-filled and trustworthy gambling environment, look no further as 888Casino is the right choice for you. Established in 19997, this casino quickly grew in popularity among players. Licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, the Government of Gibraltar, and the Malta Gaming Authority, you can rest assured that the casino is fair.
In addition to that, there is a galore of bonuses. The enticing Welcome Bonus will help newcomers kick off their gaming experience with a bang. The casino also offers promotions for casino veterans. But what attracts the players’ attention is 888Casino’s extensive gaming portfolio. The casino operator collaborates with software companies such as NetEnt, Playtech, and Cryptologic to ensure the top quality of the games. The website performs great on various mobile devices based on iOS or Android.
Slots Magic
The amount of games that Slots Magic offers is truly impressive. Thanks to its partnership with software suppliers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution, NYX, Play’n GO, and others, the casino can brag about its unique assortment of games. Considering the software companies that power the casino’s gaming content, we have no doubts that their quality is unmatched. What is more, the games adapt to any screen size and casino enthusiasts can play everywhere they go via their Android or iOS devices.
Slots Magic was unveiled in 2014 and it operates under a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority. Hence, you can be sure that it is a trustworthy site and the games are fair. Slots Magic offers some lucrative bonuses and promotions that come with reasonable wagering requirements.
If you are ready to embark on an exciting journey with Slots Magic and you would like to make a deposit, there is a huge number of banking methods that you can make use of.
Casino Joy
Casino Joy is a gaming site fully packed with all types of games. The casino’s portfolio is powered by some of the most reputable software providers, and namely Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, etc. These companies are known for their high standards and detail-oriented approach. This means that you will be more than happy with the quality of the games and their features. Another Ace in the operator’s deck is the bountiful bonuses and promotions up for grabs.
What is more, the casino’s website is designed in a user-friendly way, which is a good advantage, especially for the players who prefer to play on the move. Casino Joy is a relatively new casino. Despite its short experience, it managed to establish a massive reputation among casino mavens from different countries. The website appeared on the gambling market in 2018 and it obtained licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Swedish Gambling Authority.
SlotV Casino
Founded in 2017, SlotV Casino keeps things fresh when it comes to design. This casino is fully compliant with the laws as it is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. The casino operator offers extremely generous bonuses, with the Welcome Package being the most lucrative of all as it covers your first three consecutive deposits.
In case you decide to make an account at SlotV Casino, you will certainly not be disappointed with the impressive collection of slots that this casino offers. There are also other game genres, including table games, video poker, and live dealer suite. The casino’s portfolio is courtesy of NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, etc. Hence, the games are of unexcelled quality and they work like a charm on various mobile devices.
Managing your funds when playing at SlotV Casino is extremely easy as there are several trustworthy payment solutions, including bank cards, e-Wallets, online banking systems, and some more. It is important to mention that the customer support department is available in several languages, including German.
King Billy Casino
King Billy Casino has been on the online casino scene for a few years now, having been established in 2017. The casino is licensed by the Government of Curacao. Over the years, this gambling website managed to build a strong reputation due to its abundant gaming portfolio and player-friendly approach.
The casino operator relies on software companies such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil, and others for its remarkable selection of games. Reel spinners will be more than enticed with the unbeatable selection of slots.
Furthermore, King Billy Casino offers a succulent Welcome Bonus that matches your first four deposits. Casino patrons, on the other hand, can enjoy some of the other promotions available at the casino. Should you find yourself in hardship at any point while playing at this casino, you can always reach out to the professional customer support representatives that are ready to give you a helping hand around-the-clock.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino was founded in 2014 and it quickly turned into a preferred gambling site for many players all over the world. The casino offers a superb selection of over 1,300 games and that is where its success stems from. Thanks to some high-profile software companies such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Microgaming, Ezugi, and others, BitStarz Casino offers only first-class gaming products. Another distinctive feature of this virtual casino is that its website is simple and easy-to-navigate.
BitStarz Casino is known for its generosity towards newly registered players as well as casino veterans. What is more, the interactive casino supports a huge number of currencies and payment solutions. The site holds a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority which is a sign that it is fair and trustworthy. In case you need any assistance, you can always rely on the customer support agents who will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Omni Slots
Launched in 2015, Omni Slots is a gambling website that is licensed by the Government of Curacao. It offers a good-enough number of games powered by top software companies, including Microgaming, Betsoft, NetEnt, Evolution, etc. Slots occupy the biggest part of the casino’s gaming catalog, but there are also other game genres such as table games, video poker games, progressive jackpot games, and others. The casino’s gaming content can be reached via various handheld devices without compromising with the quality.
It is not a secret that the Welcome Bonus and the other promotions play a big role when joining a new virtual casino. Omni Slots raises the bar with its juicy sign-up bonus that will cover your first two deposits. You will receive not only bonus funds but also free spins as part of the Welcome Package. To claim this deposit, you will need to make a deposit via one of the multiple payment solutions that are available at the casino.
Speedy Casino
Speedy Casino is a new player on the field as it was founded in 2018. It received a stamp of approval by the Maltese and the Swedish gambling regulators. This web-based casino keeps on gaining momentum thanks to its extensive gaming catalog that is powered by premier software suppliers, and namely Microgaming, Yggdrasil, NYX, NetEnt, Play’n GO, etc.
Players who enthuse over slots will be able to find a huge number of exciting titles. We must note that the other sections are quite modest and some game genres such as video poker are dropped out from the casino’s library. On the positive note, the casino has no limit on the maximum cashout. In addition to that, the bonuses and promotions are quite generous. As far as payment methods are concerned, players can make deposits and pull out funds only via Trustly.
The customer support team at Speedy Casino works 24/7 and the professional agents solve any issues you might have in a prompt manner.
PlayOjo Casino
If you are looking for a fun-filled gaming experience, we would recommend PlayOjo Casino as it offers an abundant collection of top-quality games that span across various genres. The reason for the casino’s unsurpassed assortment of games is the dozens of software companies that power this site. Some of the most notable brands include ReelTime Gaming, Yggdrasil, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Play’n GO, Microgaming, and others.
Apart from PlayOjo’s fantastic selection of games, this casino offers some lucrative incentives that will help you grow your winning chances. Founded in 2017, the company managed to establish a strong relationship with its fans thanks to its special approach to the players’ needs. The operator offers its services under a license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.
The payment solutions include various bank cards, e-Wallets, online banking systems, prepaid cards by Paysafecard, and bank transfers. In that way, players can choose which option is the most suitable for them.
LeoVegas Casino
LeoVegas is an award-winning web-based casino that has been operating ever since 2012. The operator holds licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Danish Gambling Authority, and the Swedish Gambling Authority.
The casino flaunts its gaming portfolio that is comprised of over 600 titles provided by top software suppliers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, Evolution, Yggdrasil, and others. These software companies are popular for their precision in every aspect. The games utilize the random number generator to ensure unbiased results.
LeoVegas certainly knows how to greet its new registrants by offering them a bountiful sign-up bonus and some free spins. It also caters to its patrons allowing them to benefit from any of the other promotions that are up for grabs. We must admit that the number of payment methods is a bit scarce, but there are still enough options that support deposits and withdrawals.