New gambling legislation in Germany makes it easier to start online casinos. Prior to 2020 setting up an online gambling business in Germany was problematic. Gambling was regulated at Both a state and national level. While land based Casinos, sports betting and horseracing were allowed, but previously casino games were only allowed in Schleswig-Holstein. Its important to note states did and continue to have a monopoly on lotteries .

As of July 2021 the new German Interstate Treaty on Gambling went into force. This sees Germany expanding into one of Europe’s biggest economy. While Germany had been working on this legislation for quite some time. Whether or not economic losses due to the COVID pandemic led to the acceleration of its execution, is something that has been highly speculated.

The new Gambling legislation recognises four categories of betting products:

• Online Casino Table Games
• Virtual Slots
• Online Poker
• Sports Betting

What restrictions exist in the new Legislation?

Virtual slots and online poker have the most relax approach with open licencing models. The states have final say on Casino table Games like roulette and baccarat. While sports betting licences are still issued but have new in play gambling restrictions. Sports betting, poker and Virtual slot machine license can be valid for up to 5 years. Whereas Casino Table Games Licences are Valid for up to 7. The number of licenses available will correspond to the number of land-based casino license holders in that state. 

Advertising Restrictions.

Advertising for sports betting is not allowed during sports events. This particular restriction is similar to the UKGCs whistle-to-whistle ban in the UK. However in addition to this restriction sportsbooks cannot advertise in the period leading up to the game. Advertising of online casinos, slot and poker games is prohibited between 6am and 9pm.

This is a fairly loose outline of the new legislation and of course if you plan to start a gambling company in Germany you will need to look at the specific licence criteria for your business model… But of course we can help you with that.