Best Online Casinos in Germany

There are different types of entertainment people can get online nowadays, and online casinos are one of the most popular. If you’re a German player eager to learn more about online casinos in Germany and all it has to offer, you’re in the right place. 

We look at the current gambling regulations, the history of gambling in Germany, as well as the types of games, promotions, and payment methods you may find in top casinos in Germany. You may also discover more about land-based gaming activity, as Germany has over 80 land-based casinos. 

 Find out all there is to know about online gambling in Germany in the in-depth guide below.

Germany is one of the regions that have been open towards gambling activity for a long time but on a more restrictive level. It has been regulated on the state level for quite some time, which was why the implementation of the Interstate Treaty 2021 was a big deal. This not only rewrote the way things have been working for over 50 years but paved the way for a more regulated market. 

One of the biggest issues with state-level regulation was that there were too many unregulated markets and inconsistencies across the country. With the implementation of the Interstate Treaty, all states aside from Schleswig-Holstein. This region chose to break free and regulate its own market. And in 2021, the Interstate Treaty of 2012 was ratified to bring online casino gaming to the federal level of regulation. 

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) is the newly established gaming authority in charge of market supervision and providing operators with licenses. The operator licenses are only valid for five years. 

With the gaming laws in this region, players are required to be 18 or older to take part in gaming entertainment. Television and online advertisement for gaming is prohibited. Operators can only advertise on nationwide free-to-air TV, and there is a cap of 17,000 minutes for airtime a month. 

One thing you’ll find is that Germany is quite strict on gambling offences. Anyone caught committing a gambling offence will be charged a fine, and their gambling license can be suspended or taken. For gamblers, there is a cap on the stake limit, and features like auto-play are not available. When it comes to the games, there is an open floor for each state to decide if online table games are legal or illegal.

Germany has an interesting history when it comes to gambling and gambling rules. With a lot of the country affected by war, the rules surrounding gambling became unsure. It was only after World War II, when the West German Constitution was signed that things started changing. 

With this, it created an opportunity for states to decide their own gambling laws. This was a big change from the 1900s when there were plenty of restrictions resulting in a booming black market. 

Here is a quick look at the history of gambling in Germany:

The very first casino built in Germany was Casino Wiesbaden. It is the oldest casino in Germany and dates to 1810. Jump to 1933, and you find that the German government had a shutdown of gambling activities. 

Seventeen years later, in the 1950s, the new constitution was passed, and there was an option for gambling to be regulated on a state level. This leads to many states placing heavy restrictions on those able to gamble. 

It was only in 1995 that the restrictions on gambling activities were removed, enabling gambling activity among tourists in all casinos. 

Again, over a decade would pass before any changes. The Interstate Gambling Treaty was passed in 2008, making online gaming illegal. At this time, all states signed the Treaty apart from Schleswig-Holstein. 

In 2012 there were some amendments made to the Interstate Treaty allowing for interstate and online lotteries to run. It also creates an opportunity for 20 foreign bookmakers to operate in Germany. Schleswig-Holstein also introduces its own Gambling Act, which allows for legal online casino gambling and sports betting with licensing possible. 

8 years pass, leading us to 2020 when new Interstate Treaty amendments are announced, and this time, all German states sign. With the new treaty, the focus turns to introducing a legal and locally regulated online gambling market. 

In 2023 the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) is established. The GGL is responsible for licensing and oversight of gaming operators in the region. Leading us to today, where German players get to enjoy licensed and regulated local gaming entertainment across all desktops, tablet, and mobile devices. 

For German players in 2023, there are ample gaming types and possibilities online and offline. With new regulations and a regulated gaming market, these can all be enjoyed safely when playing at licensed and regulated sites.

Gamblers looking for online gaming action at top casinos in Germany, there are plenty of options to enjoy. Here is a quick look at the different casinos and gaming types you can expect to find in German Casinos:

Online Casinos Gaming

With the implementation of the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling in July 2021, there is a clear distinction between what is considered online casino games. The Interstate Treaty covers slot games and table games under this blanket term. Giving online casino enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the best variety of games at licensed casinos in Germany. 

Whether you’re looking for online slots, table games, live games and instant win variants like scratch cards and bingo, there are different sites filled to the brim with great gaming options. It should be noted that each federal state has the option of choosing to license different private operators or imposing a state monopoly. Meaning every state can have different regulations for online casino gaming. 

Land-based Casinos

There are ample options for those who prefer an in-person type of betting experience. Germany is home to over 80 land-based casinos scattered throughout Germany. You will find land-based gaming establishments in over 70 German cities. 

Most of these casinos will have a great collection of table games, poker, and slots to choose from. For the best variety of casinos in Germany, you want to visit Berlin. Here you can take your pick from 5 different casinos. The capital of Berlin is the largest gambling city in the region. 

For the largest casino with hundreds of different slots, a dozen table games and poker, you want to visit Spielbank Do-Honeysburg. The biggest German land-based casinos include Spielbank Do-Hohensyburg, Spielbank Berlin Casino, and Casino Duisburg.

Sports Betting

If a thriving sports betting market is what you’re looking for, then you will feel right at home in the German Sports Betting section. There is a land-based and online sports betting market. Land-based betting has been responsible for impressive revenue annually. The online sports betting industry only started in 2020. To say there are ample online betting sites where you can enjoy fair wagers on popular sports, including football, NBA, NFL, and more. 

Horse Racing

Horse Race Betting is licensed and regulated by the Joint Gambling Authority in Saxony-Anhalt as of January 2023. It is completely legal to enjoy the best races and betting odds in land-based or online sportsbooks. 

Lottery

As a German player, you get to enjoy wagering at top lottery sites on the biggest options from the international market. The sites are safe and fair, with top-notch security of a trusted gaming experience. 

Online Poker

At the current time, there is a rather limited Poker offering. That by no means implies a lack of options. In fact, there are ample Poker sites offering high-quality poker gaming for German players. Land-based poker and online poker are legal, but online sites require a license from the GGL. There are fun single-game events and tournaments you can partake in on popular poker games. 

Fantasy Sports

The current gambling regulations within Germany are a bit grey area when it comes to Daily Fantasy Sports Betting. There are no current DFS sites available here. Even DraftKings withdrew from the market earlier in 2023.

Playing games at German gaming sites isn’t only about secure gaming and great game variety. Another big perk of online gaming is accessibility to exciting bonuses and promotions that could potentially boost your online gaming experience. 

Here are some popular bonuses in German online casinos:

Welcome Bonus

The Welcome Bonus is one of the biggest lures towards online casinos. There are different types of welcome bonuses, from a small bonus amount to a bonus match or even a package offer awarding a percentage bonus and free spins. This type of offer is exclusively available to new players registering at the site. 

Free Spins

A popular offer among new online casino players is often the free spins. The amount of free spins awarded may vary based on the casino and the type of offer. With free spins offers, you are generally awarded free spins on one or more pre-determined games. These offers often come with set terms, which include wagering requirements on winnings. 

Free Bets

Free bets allow you to make a wager without any real money attached. Meaning you get a free bet that can be used to place a winning bet. Like with free spins, there will be strict terms and conditions, including wagering requirements. The free bet cant be withdrawn, but you can withdraw your winnings. 

Deposit Match Bonuses

This is the type of offer that can be awarded to new and existing players. You get a percentage match bonus on a qualifying deposit. The percentage will vary based on the sites. You can get small percentage bonuses or quite big ones with welcome offers. 

Loyalty Programs 

Many of the top sites will offer you loyalty programs in the form of multiple tiers or reward points. With these programs, you can climb the ranks or earn reward points which can be traded for casino benefits. With the tiered programs, you get access to bigger and better rewards with every new tier you reach.

A focus for many online casino players is having access to trusted payment methods when depositing and playing at an online site. 

The top-rated Gambling operators give you access to the most secure payment methods. Here are some of the most popular payment methods in German Casinos: 

Debit/Credit Card 

One of the most common payment methods for secure deposits and withdrawals is transferring funds using your credit or debit card. There are different options in this category, including Maestro, Visa, and Maestro. 

eWallets

There are plenty of eWallet options for instant deposits and faster withdrawals for digital-prone players. The most reputable e-Wallets you’ll often find on most sites include Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and ecoPayz. 

Cryptocurrency

Those who prefer anonymous gameplay, faster transactions and lower fees on transactions might want to consider cryptocurrency. There are different cryptocurrency options you can choose to use for funding your gameplay. This includes Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. 

Bank Transfer

Another more traditional payment method that has a solid reputation making it popular among players is Bank Transfer. You can deposit and withdraw securely. The waiting time on this payment method may be slightly higher, and fees could apply. Options here include Instant Banking, Bank Transfer, or Wire Transfer. 

Mobile Pay

A newer type of payment method you can choose to utilise is Google Pay or ApplePay. It’s secure, quick, and convenient, especially when playing via mobile.

Germany is one of the regions that place a lot of emphasis on responsible gambling and require all operators looking to get licensed to do their part. Like the UK, Germany expects operators to implement self-exclusion options and self-limitation technology for those who struggle to keep control on their own.

There are strict requirements in place which aim to create a safer gaming environment for all players. There are also resources and organisations to educate and assist players in terms of problem gambling.

Here are some of the organisations available to you:

Gambling Therapy

This is a global service offered by Gordon Moody where you can get emotional support and free practical advice. It started in 1971 and branched out to work in different settings. Today it is one of the leading gambling therapy services.

If you’re in need of assistance, you can find it here, whether you’re seeking residential treatment or online help. If you’re confused about which option may work best for you, the team will assist in getting you in place with the correct program.

Telephone number: –
Website: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

Gam Anon

Gam Anon is a community-based service where the focus is placed on the 12 steps. If you or anyone you know is struggling with problem gambling, they can assist. They aid those struggling to get back to a normal way of thinking and living. It is not a treatment centre but a voluntary service where no dues or fees are charged.

Telephone number: (+34) 677 788 304
Website: https://gam-anon.com/

Gluecksspielsucht

Gluecksspielsucht provides those struggling with access to a gambling addiction forum where gambling addiction prevention and other matters are discussed. There are over 5000 posts discussing experience, gambling addiction and its consequences.

There is also a counselling centre as well as online support that assists gambling addicts and their relatives. This includes self-help groups and specialist clinics.

Telephone number: 0800 0776611
Website: https://www.gluecksspielsucht.de/