Online Casinos in Germany: The New Regulations and Rules 2021

Germans, like most other Europeans, have engaged in gambling activities following the Roman Empire taking over several Germanic territories. Since gambling was the main entertainment and pass-time activity among Roman soldiers, Germans started gambling alongside them.

In other words, the ancient Romans introduced Germans to gambling and they are responsible for the major spread of those activities not only in Germany but in the rest of Europe.

One of the oldest casinos in the world opened its doors in Germany; The Casino Wiesbaden started welcoming its German customers in 1810. The venue was designed by Christian Zais who was inspired by Greek mythology.

Therefore, the oldest casino in Germany was dominated by stunning mosaic art pieces, stone pillars, and grandeur chandeliers. In 1872, all gambling venues in the country were ordered to close their doors including the Casino Wiesbaden as gambling was deemed immoral and sinful by anti-gambling activists.

However, closing the Casino Wiesbaden and other gambling venues in the country have not stopped gambling activities. In fact, the closures of gambling establishments led to the formation of illegal gambling houses.

Legal, licensed casinos remained closed in Germany until 1950 following the introduction of a completely new constitution. After World War 2, gambling activities in Germany were also regulated by individual provinces in Western Germany.

Gambling Laws and Regulations in Germany

In 1995, the country’s government lifted almost all gambling restrictions that were in place since World War 2. Once the government realized the amazing profitable nature of the gambling industry, gambling activities once again become very popular among regular people.

However, the gambling industry has been thriving, but not without obstacles and challenges. The country’s government wanted to completely monopolize the industry, but its attempts to do so were cut short by the European Union.

More specifically, the European Union made sure the country’s legislators and governments allowed companies and businesses to open gambling venues in the country. When it comes to the sports betting industry in Germany, it was also monopolized by the government until 2006 when the European Union intervened once again.

As of today, gambling is extremely popular among Germans. Some of the most renowned international companies operate in Germany offering online sports betting and casino gaming services and products.

You can find more information about the best German online casinos, the games, and bonuses on bestonlinecasino.com/germany. The most renowned venues serving German players grant quite generous bonuses and promotions, access to hundreds of top-notch casino games, and excellent customer care and banking services. Further, we take a look at the German new gambling laws and regulations that directly concern the iGaming industry.

The Long-Awaited Interstate Treaty on Gambling Act 2021

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling came into force on the 1st of July 2021. The latest piece of gambling regulation in Germany introduced clear distinctions between different online casino games, including Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette.

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling also made clear distinctions between virtual slot machines and land-based slot machines. According to the the long-awaited regulation, gambling operators can apply for a remote gaming license to provide online slot games for the very first time.

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling also led to the formation of the Joint Gambling Authority. The Joint Gambling Authority is headquartered in Saxony-Anhalt. While it is already established, the governmental agency will not start operating until 2023. In the meantime, the Saxony Anhalt gambling authority is responsible for issuing and renewing remote gaming licenses.

Also, land-based casinos in the country are regulated under different state laws and the Ministry of the Interior. In other words, land-based casinos must operate according to state, not federal laws. This means that the Interstate Treaty on Gambling gave every German state the right to license privately-held gambling companies that wish to operate online casinos within their state’s borders.

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling – Major Licensing Guidelines

A brand-new online poker licensing system was also introduced. Companies that wish to operate online poker sites in Germany can apply for remote gambling licenses with the Saxony Anhalt gambling regulatory, that as previously mentioned operates until 2023 when the Joint Gambling Authority is expected to assume all licensing and other responsibilities.

In most German states, online and other forms of poker are permitted in land-based casinos owned by the state. Just like other gambling forms, poker is also regulated by the German Ministry of the Interior.

The Interstate Treaty on Gambling also introduced new gambling rules and regulations for advertising. In addition, the latest piece of gambling legislation in Germany will bring in a completely new tax regime for operators of online slots, online poker games, and online sports betting sites.

Operators that were granted remote gaming licenses, will not be required to renew them for five years. Moreover, licenses issued are valid throughout the entire country.

However, online gambling operators that own and run online casinos must comply with rules and regulations by states. In the months to come, the legislators from different states will introduce their specific gambling laws and regulations that may differ from the federal laws.

Either way, the requirements for getting a remote gaming license to offer online casino and sports betting activities will remain the same. Companies that apply for licensing must provide a deposit of at least €5 million.

In certain cases, this minimum security deposit amount can be increased to €50 million. All license applicants must provide a separate area for different forms of gambling. Cross advertising is forbidden by the new gambling regulation.

Applicants must set maximum deposit limits of €1,000 per player. The component gambling authorities will monitor whether license applicants limit the amount their players can deposit in a month. In addition, exclusion of underage players, Know Your Customer Policy guidelines, and responsible gambling guidelines apply as well.