The current Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) has changed the gambling landscape for German casinos and gambling fans in many respects. Casino operators can only apply for a gambling license from Germany if they adhere to strict rules. Players, in turn, must be prepared for various restrictions that affect the choice of games, payment limits and the registration process. But that makes a casino a serious one, like Bizzo Casino.
The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), Germany’s central regulatory authority, maintains a so-called whitelist with an overview of all permitted providers. Interested parties can find out about the legality of an online casino there. Permitted online gambling sites and reputable online casinos also have a GGL seal integrated into their websites, which also shows that they have an official license.
The key points of the State Treaty on Gambling at a glance:
- Legalization of online casinos
- Online casinos have been legal in Germany since 1 July 2021, but only if they have a German license. Among other things, a tax of 5.3% on all turnover was introduced.
- Central gambling authority
- The GGL is responsible for issuing licenses. The authority also licenses the games of German online casinos. Player protection is strengthened with the help of the OASIS and LUGAS systems.
- Licenses for slots and table games
Currently, the casino online only has licenses for slot games, online poker and sports betting. Table games and a live casino are not permitted. There will most likely also be licenses for table and live games in the future.
VARIOUS GAME RESTRICTIONS
Players and online casinos will be subject to many restrictions. These include monthly deposit limits of €1,000, betting limits of €1 and breaks between spins.
Illegal and not recommended providers: You should avoid these casino sites!
Not all online casinos are suitable for players in Germany. Now that we’ve introduced you to legal and reputable online casinos, we’ll take a look at casino sites that you should stay away from. What are the reasons to avoid certain gambling providers? Here are the most common characteristics of illegal and bad internet casinos:
- Lack of license: this is probably the most obvious characteristic of an illegal casino provider. So always look out for a GGL logo on the casino site and also consult the GGL whitelist.
- Inadequate security: The best online casinos in Germany guarantee players that their data is optimally protected against access by third parties. If there is no high-quality data encryption, it is not advisable to register.
- Non-transparent terms and conditions: Steer clear of online casinos whose terms and conditions are difficult to understand, disadvantage players or are missing altogether. Reputable online casinos ensure that their terms and conditions contain everything that customers need to know.
- Unfair bonus offers: Dubious online casino providers often try to lure gaming fans with incredibly high bonuses. However, in many cases, a glance at the associated terms and conditions reveals that the special offers are anything but player-friendly.
- Time and again, cases of illegal casinos refusing to pay out winnings become known. The operators are based abroad, making prosecution more difficult. As a rule, cheated online casino players have no real recourse and little chance of enforcing the payout of winnings.
Some examples of unauthorized online casinos operating in Germany are: Majesty Slots, Bella Vegas and CasinoMGA. They do not have a state gambling license from Germany and are therefore illegal in this country. These are just a few examples, so you should never blindly rely on the advertised benefits. You are best off with our casino favorites, which we present in more detail below.