Gambling activities on the territory of Germany have been legalized long time ago but German authorities are well-aware of the eventual negative consequences of the gambling legislation. As a result, they strictly monitor all forms of gambling activities. The gambling industry in Europe is flourishing, which means that a lot of attention needs to be paid to the gambling-related issues and their prevention is essential for the well-being of German players.
Gambling legislation matters were in limbo in the period 2008-2012 when online gambling was legal in the state of Schleswig-Holstein but technically, it is considered illegal. Then, the German authorities reviewed the existing rules and regulations and amended the laws.
Germany is known as one of the countries where gambling-related rules are closely monitored and anyone who violates them is in danger of facing serious penalties. Yet, strict laws do not affect the popularity of the gambling sector. On the contrary – more and more players opt for remote casino activities as they know German authorities would not tolerate dishonest practices and their rights will be defended.
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Actually, it was not until 2012 when German officials took serious actions towards clearing out the issues concerning online casino games. Online gambling in Germany cannot be defined as legal or illegal due to a number of factors that have a great impact on the legislative matters.
Before 2008, gambling was not regulated but things have changed when a federal ban on gambling was imposed. However, the European Union disapproved of its efficiency. Affected from these events, the state of Schleswig-Holstein has decided to establish its own gambling rules and gave the green light to a number of operators to provide their products in the area.
The year 2012 saw the implementation of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling that prohibited all forms of online gambling activities and expected ratification from the federal states. All states ratified it except for the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The latter came up with its own gambling rules and issued licenses to more than 50 operators that were granted the right to provide their services for a 6-year period. Back in 2013, the first German casino was launched.
Online Gambling Regulator in Germany
German gambling matters are regarded as a part of the law of public order, which therefore means that every state is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations. There is a total of 16 German states and each of them has a different approach towards all forms of gambling. For instance, the Ministries of the Interior are in charge of regulating the brick and mortar casinos, while the municipal offices are responsible for slot game activities.
The licenses issued during the time when the Gaming Act of Schleswig Holstein was valid are monitored by the local ministry of the Interior. As for the other states, they are responsible for regulating the different types of lottery games. For instance, the class lotteries in Germany are regulated by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, while the other national lotteries are overseen by the Rhineland Palatinate.
Relevant Legislative Framework
According to the existing German laws, online gambling is prohibited but regardless, Germany is one of the appealing markets when it comes to remote gambling activities. The question about legalizing online gambling has been on the agenda for more than a decade and people interested in that legalization draw arguments according to which the German laws are not compatible with the rules established by the European Union.
One of the most important decisions related to gambling on the territory of Germany was made by the European Court of Justice back in June 2014. In 2012 the Federal State of Schleswig Holstein introduced quite a controversial Gambling Act, which quickly attracted a lot of opponents and proponents. More than 50 licensees were given the opportunity to provide online gambling and sports betting activities on the territory of the state. Although the Act was withdrawn one year later, the licensees are still allowed to operate until 2019. Opponents of the Gambling Act considered it unlawful as it contradicted with the existing rules and regulations in the other German states. Yet, this standpoint was not taken into account by the European Court of Justice.
The Court members settled around the idea that even if Germany has two gambling systems that are totally different from one another, this does not pose a risk to the strict rules and regulation that have been established by the German authorities. The Court required the local courts to ensure that the German gambling laws are compatible with EU freedoms. The disputed “Digibet and Albers” was referred back to the German Federal Supreme Court that has to take a stance on the matter.
Changes in the VAT-related laws also occurred and European gambling operators were said to be affected in a negative manner. Before the amendments were imposed, casino providers had been supposed to pay the VAT taxes valid for the country they are based at on grounds that this country is a member of the European Union.
However, the new rules made foreign gambling operators available on the territory of Germany pay the VAT imposed by the German authorities.
Changes in German gambling matters affected professional poker players although there is not a clear vision as to whether poker should be regarded as a game of chance or a game of skill. However, the Financial Court of Muenster enacted a law according to which professional poker players should pay a tax determined by the amount of their winnings. Yet, the question if poker is a game of skill or a game of chance remains unsolved.
Technically, poker is available in traditional casinos and there is a prohibition for offering it online but the rule does not apply to the aforementioned 50 licensees that have obtained a license before the Act was abolished.
Casino Deposit Methods for German Players
Although the situation on the German gambling scene seems a bit complicated and basically, online gambling is not allowed, German players are welcome to create an account at an online casino that accepts international players and take their part of the amazing jackpots and bonus rewards. However, you have to deposit some funds into your account in order to be eligible for receiving the welcome bonus and boosting your bank account.
Germany-based players are lucky to have a wide array of deposit and withdrawal options that are associated with transparency, convenience, low fees and efficiency. Below, you will find a short description of the most common deposit and withdrawal options you should seek for if you want to have a worry-free deposit and withdrawal experience.
Neteller
Neteller takes pride in being one of the most popular payment processors available in a great number of countries. It accepts the most common currencies and it is considered a secure and time-saving method for making deposits and withdrawals. Neteller provides its customers with a special plastic card that makes it easier than ever to cash out your casino winnings. You can also use your Neteller account as a standard e-wallet. As far as funding is concerned, you have a variety of options – from bank transfer to another e-wallet.
Skrill
Skrill has come a long way since its establishment and now, it is known as the biggest gambling affiliate. The e-wallet is a preferred deposit and withdrawal option as its sensible fees and efficiency are highly appreciated by customers. Skrill allows you to link your credit or debit card and make fast and secure online payments. Unlike some other payment methods, Skrill has a fixed fee that does not change according to the amount of the sum you would like to withdraw. Another great feature is that your funds will be instantly available, so you can immediately start playing.
EcoCard
EcoCard is yet another convenient payment option that makes it possible to deposit and withdraw casino funds in a matter of minutes. You can purchase your plastic EcoCard and make online and offline payments even easier. The other option is to use your Eco account as a standard e-wallet although the latter imposes certain limits as you can use it for online purchases only. The fees as well as the benefits you get depend on your account status. The more you use your Eco account, the faster you will upgrade to the next account level. EcoPayZ gives every customer the chance to have access to their funds from any location thanks to the mobile app.
giropay
giropay is a payment system designed exclusively for Germany-based players. It is supported by a great number of German banks and everyone who has online banking is enabled to use giropay’s services. Whenever you want to make a deposit to your preferred online casino or make an online purchase, you have to select giropay from the list of available payment options and then, you will be redirected to your online banking page where you have to follow the instructions and confirm the transaction. You don’t have to create an account in order to use giropay. It is the perfect solution for anyone who does not possess a debit/ credit card or is just reluctant to use it for Internet purchases.
PaySafeCard
PaySafeCard is a really convenient payment option available in a great number of countries. It gives you the chance to make secure transactions over the Internet without exposing your personal or bank details to unnecessary risks. PaySafeCard is a prepaid card that can be used for topping up your casino account as well. You have to visit a kiosk or a store where PaySafeCards are sold and exchange your cash for a 16-digit PIN.
You will be required to enter that PIN every time you initiate a transaction. For your convenience, you can create an account and input all PINs you have and use it as a standard e-wallet. According to casino players, the greatest disadvantage of PaySafeCard is that it cannot be used for withdrawals.
Citadel Direct
Powered by Citadel Commerce, Citadel Direct emerged as a widely preferred payment option, especially in Germany, UK, Canada. It provides each and every customer with the security they seek when making transactions over the Internet. No matter if you are willing to make a purchase from an Internet store or you are willing to top up your casino account, Citadel Direct is the best solution.
You just have to select it from the list of payment processors and you will be redirected to your online banking page where you will be prompted to confirm the transaction. Citadel can be used for withdrawals but some exceptions apply, so you are advised to contact your bank for more information. German players are encouraged to check the functionalities myCitadel Wallet service offers.
PayPal
PayPal is probably the most popular payment processor on a global scale and its customers consider it a safe and convenient method for making online transactions, depositing funds to your favourite casino spot or withdrawing your casino winnings. You are eligible for sending and receiving funds once you verify your account. You are supposed to enter the 4-digit verification code, which can be obtained from the bank that has issued your card.
It might be visible in your online banking page as well. PayPal’s popularity makes it one of the most commonly accepted payment methods out there. No compromises are made when it comes to security. However, customers consider the withdrawal fees a bit high.
SOFORT
SOFORT is a payment option available for German players. It is pretty similar to giropay and provides each and every customer with the opportunity to make online transactions in a worry-free manner. Whenever you want to deposit funds to your online casino account via SOFORT, you have to choose it from the list of available payment options.
You will be redirected to your online banking page and in order to confirm the transaction, you will be required to enter your TAN code. You will receive a notification about your SOFORT Überweisung transfer.
Casinos that Accept German Players
Casino Cruise
If you are looking for premium gambling experience, Casino Cruise is definitely among the must-visit casino websites. It features games, developed by several prominent providers. Another factor that makes it stand out from the rest is the availability of a generous first deposit bonus followed by second and third deposit bonuses combined with an invitation to go on a real adventure.
In order to get on board and get your piece of the prize pools, you have to create an account and deposit some funds into it. Casino Cruise welcomes Germany-based players and provides them with a number of convenient deposit and withdrawal options. Since Euro is a commonly used currency, they are not supposed to pay a currency conversion fee as well.
Casino Cruise recommends German players to use Neteller, Skrill or EcoCard as these guarantee worry-free deposit and withdrawal experience. Instant banking options are also among the payment options regarded as secure.
Casino Cruise has set a regular deposit limit of €5000 but the amount can vary depending on the payment method you choose. The withdrawal limit is also different. The regular withdrawal limit is €5500 per week and €22000 per month.
Royal Panda
Royal Panda is a prestigious online casino known for the high quality casino games and courteous customer service. The casino has emerged as a rival of some of the most popular online casinos because of the transparency, helpful staff and last but not least, the incredible graphics and prize pools the games have.
Royal Panda welcomes international players and Germans in particular. German players are free to choose from a wide number of deposit and withdrawal options including giropay (minimum deposit $10, maximum $15,000); Sofortüberweisung – credit/debit cards; Skrill (minimum deposit $10, maximum 10,000); Neteller (minimum deposit $10, maximum $15,000), PaySafeCard (min. $10, max. $15,000);
For withdrawal purposes, Royal Panda recommends Skrill, Neteller, credit/ debit cards and fast bank transfer. All payment processors, offered by Royal Panda are equally safe. In general, withdrawals take between 24 hours and 3 business days depending on the payment method you choose.
Furthermore, it can take a little extra time for the payment method company itself to process the transaction. Money paid out by bank transfer will reach your account within 1-5 working days.
Money withdrawn by credit or debit card will be credited within 1-5 working days. E-wallets (such as Neteller and Skrill) may take up to a day to process the transaction once Royal Panda processes your request.
Betway
Betway is a great attraction to passionate players who would never compromise with their gambling experience. It is known as an online casino featuring an incredible collection of Microgaming – powered games that would go beyond the expectations of every demanding player. German players are welcome to take advantage of the excellent collection. In order to gain access to the variety of slots and table games, they have to top up your casino account.
Betway supports the following deposit options available for German players: VISA and MasterCard debit and credit cards, Citadel Direct, EcoCard, Neteller, Paypal, Sofort, Skrill. As for withdrawals, you can use VISA, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfer.
Betway does not impose a minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limit, but if you wish so, you can set limits on your Betway account.
Eurogrand
Part of William Hill group, EuroGrand has always been striving to provide its players with the latest casino games and award them with incredible jackpots. It accepts international players and Germans are also welcome to try the incredible collection of slots and table games that can keep you on the edge of your seat for quite some time.
Eurogrand is known for accepting all major currencies and payment processors, so players do not experience the inconveniences associated with currency conversion procedure. Some of the most commonly used payment options are VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club International, Neteller, Paypal, PaySafeCard, Skrill.
It is important to note that before you initiate withdrawals, you have to make sure you have no active bonuses, otherwise those will be ended.
32Red
32Red is classified as a reliable casino that offers top-notch gambling experience as well as courteous customer support, attractive bonuses and solid jackpots. It is powered by Microgaming, which means you can count on an unforgettable gambling session. 32Red accepts German players and they are enabled to take full advantage of the functionalities it offers.
However, they should deposit funds into their account by using one of the payment processors available on the territory of the country.
Debit/ credit cards, Neteller, Skrill, PaySafeCard are the most widespread deposit and withdrawal options used by 32Red users.
The minimum amount you can deposit or withdraw is €10.
