In Germany, the legal situation for online casinos is unfortunately still relatively complicated. One reason for this is that the current German regulations may not be compatible with EU law. The special path of Schleswig-Holstein brings even more confusion to the topic of online casinos from Germany. The federal state first did not agree to the State Treaty on Gambling and grant licences for German online casinos.
Are there any online casinos from Germany at all?
Currently, there is not a single casino that is operated from Germany and can exclusively address German customers. The reason for this is the complicated situation due to the State Treaty on Gambling. It even declares gambling on the internet per se illegal. No wonder that numerous critics have always spoken out against the treaty. Parts of the regulations are criticised by both the EU and Germany. As a consequence, the
As a result, the sports betting providers licensed by Schleswig-Holstein were actually granted provisional authorisation to operate online in March 2017. A further 15 providers were also able to obtain a licence of sorts. The restriction is also very likely to be lifted.
However, this had no effect on mere online gambling. This remains officially prohibited until further notice and there is no online casino from Germany.
Licences in the EU nevertheless possible
However, there is the possibility to circumvent the legislation, at least in parts. For example, a licence within an EU country usually enables online casinos to operate in Germany. Germany must ultimately adapt here despite its ban, even if it does so only reluctantly. Nevertheless, this is not a clear permission, but rather a legal grey area in which it is not clear which legislation has the greater significance. Accordingly, the players are also operating in an unclear legal situation. However, they do not have to expect criminal prosecution, at least such a case has not yet become known.
Accordingly, online casinos for German customers are usually not licensed from Germany but in an EU country like Malta. This way, they can also offer their services to German customers and circumvent the ban.
Good casinos for German players
Customers from Germany must therefore pay more attention than international players to finding a reputable Online casino to find. The ban on online casinos in Germany does not lead to greater protection for players, as the government had hoped. On the contrary, as in every unregulated and semi-legal area, the danger of becoming a victim of fraud increases. Players should therefore make sure that the online casino is licensed, if not in Germany, then at least in the EU. In this way, it must meet the standards within the EU and there is a certain legal certainty for the customer.
There are not many online casinos from Germany, but there are many online casinos in German. Players should make sure that they use a provider with German-speaking customer service. Since the German-speaking market within the EU is one of the strongest financially, most online casinos have a German-language version, but not all are well translated. However, players can only expect a good German-language service if the online casino also keeps the language quality of its website high.
Another important factor is the selection of games. Most German players are mainly interested in Novoline and Merkur games, as they know them well from German arcades. Often, online casinos that offer these slots also have a larger German-speaking community, which increases the joy of playing even more.
The most popular Novoline games
Book of Ra | Sizzling Hot |
---|---|
Lucky Ladies Charm | Golden Ark |
Dolphins Pearl | Fruit Sensation |
Just Jewels | African Simba |
King's Treasure | Mega Joker |
Summary:
In Germany, online gambling is still not legalised, with the exception of sports betting. However, players can resort to online casinos that have been licensed within the EU. They are usually reputable and of course act according to EU law. Interested parties should nevertheless look for German-language support, a good selection of games and an attractive offer. Bonus to come as close as possible to a German online casino.
Content