As of July 2021, Germany implemented a new gambling law for all German players. The law is known as the Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag or for short GlüNeuRStV. It means the “Interstate Treaty on Gambling”. This law allows for the licensing of online casinos, introduces player protection measures, and permits online slots with certain restrictions.
After a Long Time – German Online Casinos are Finally Regulated
The German online casinos are at last being regulated. Players in Germany are subject to a variety of restrictions when gambling. Live casino games and progressive jackpot slots are not permitted, and there are limitations on sports betting, such as the prohibition of certain live betting markets.
It’s essential to stay informed about the latest regulations and consult official sources for up-to-date information. Each federal state has the choice to impose a state monopoly. Some private operators are also issued a limited number of licenses which are reviewed in a online casino test Germany.
According to the “Interstate Treaty on Gambling”, bets are considered games of chance in Germany. However, the licensing regime established for private operators is currently limited to fixed-odds sports betting offerings. It’s worth noting that betting on events other than sports or horse races, such as political events or financial products and trading, is not allowed under German gambling laws.
These types of bets may fall under financial services and banking regulations, rather than gambling regulations. Pool betting offerings, which are often classified as a type of lottery, are reserved for the state monopoly. Players and operators should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and legal requirements to ensure compliance with German gambling laws.
Shocking for Most Players – The New Rules in German Online Casinos
German online casino games are typically classified as skill games, although German jurisprudence offers limited guidance. The legal classification of fantasy league games for German players depends on their specific design and structure.
If they meet the criteria of a game of chance under the “Interstate Treaty on Gambling“, regulation may apply, but case-by-case analysis is necessary in the absence of specific regulations.
5 Seconds Rule – Waiting time of 5 Seconds After Each Spin
Conforming to the “Interstate Treaty on Gambling”, in Germany, there is a requirement for a 5-second break between two spins in a slot game. This means that the auto play function commonly used for turbo spins will no longer be accessible to players. This rule applies specifically to casino operators who hold licenses issued by the German government.
The aim of this 5-second break between two spins measure is to promote responsible gambling by introducing a interruption between spins. This allows players more time to make well-informed decisions and reducing the potential for impulsive and rapid game play.
No Auto Play Anymore, Each Spin Must be Activated Manually One-By-One
The auto play feature removed by the “Interstate Treaty on Gambling” is part of the new regulations for this system to work well. Players are now required to activate each spin manually, one-by-one, without giving them the option for computerized or continuous spins.
This measure is in line with the German government’s efforts to prioritize player protection and ensure a safer gambling environment. This change aims to promote self-control, and mitigate the risks associated with rapid and automated gambling. It’s part of the broader efforts to prioritize the well-being of players by encouraging more deliberate and conscious gambling behavior.
Hourly Cool-Off Period After Each Hour – The System Forces Players to Maintain a 15 Minute Break
As part of the regulations in Germany, online gambling operators are required to provide a reality check every hour to players. After 60 minutes of continuous play, a mandatory five-minute cool-off period must be implemented. Following this break, players can resume gaming.
Additionally, operators are obligated to display a panic button at all times, allowing players to easily exclude themselves from further gambling activities at the casino if they wish to do so. These measures aim to promote responsible gambling, encourage breaks, and provide players with options to control their gaming habits for their well-being.
Monthly Deposit Limit of €1,000 per Month, Even Across all the German Casinos
Germany has implemented strict gambling measures, including a €1,000 monthly deposit limit and a €1 wager limit on online casino slots. These measures are aimed at promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting players from excessive financial risks.
The monthly deposit limit restricts the total amount that can be deposited by a player within a month, ensuring a controlled gambling experience. Additionally, the €1 wager limit on online casino slots limits the amount that can be bet on each individual spin. These measures work together to promote responsible game play, mitigate potential gambling-related harms, and ensure a safer gambling milieu in Germany.
Full Removal of Live Casino Section
Live casino games were removed in most parts of Germany. Under the new treaty in Germany, live casino games, progressive jackpots, and certain live bets are prohibited. These restrictions are part of all online casino regulations aimed at regulating online gambling and ensuring player protection. It’s important for operators and players to adhere to these guidelines to comply with the law.
However, under the current regulations, there are restrictions on the offering of live casino games by licensed online gambling operators. The aim of such limitations is to promote responsible gambling and protect players from excessive gambling behaviors and the potential for rapid and continuous game play, which could contribute to higher gambling risks.
Jackpot Slots Banned in German Casinos
Jackpot slots are a type of casino game that offer players the chance to win a large, cumulative jackpot prize. The jackpot grows progressively as more players make bets on the game.
Jackpot slots can be standalone, meaning the jackpot is specific to that particular slot, or they can be linked across multiple machines or casinos, creating a networked jackpot. These slots work by setting aside a portion of each player’s bet into a central jackpot pool.
However, this new treaty has banned jackpot slots in German casinos. Progressive jackpots and live casino games and bets are all prohibited. By prohibiting jackpot slots, the regulations aim to promote responsible gambling practices.
Are German Bookmakers Affected by the New Gambling Law?
Yes, German bookmakers are affected by the new gambling law. These measures are part of the efforts to regulate and control online gambling activities in the country. A bookmaker is a company or individual that offers sports betting services in Germany. There is the same €1,000 deposit limit per month for German bookmakers, but also some betting markets like event bets have been removed.
The removal of event bets is aimed at ensuring compliance with the updated laws and promoting a safer and more regulated gambling atmosphere for German players. The “GlüNeuRStV” law introduced rules to oversee online gambling activities, including licensing requirements for operators and provisions for player protection.
The “Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag”, introduced regulatory changes for various forms of online gambling, including sports betting. The new law establishes a licensing regime for online sports betting operators, allowing them to operate legally in Germany. Bookmakers are required to obtain licenses and comply with the regulations outlined in the treaty.
The purpose of these regulations is to ensure a fair and protected gaming environment for German gamblers and to provide player protection measures. It’s important for bookmakers to understand and adhere to the requirements set forth in the new German gambling law.
Heavy Changes in the German Online Casino Market
Historically, Germany has had a relatively restrictive stance on gambling. However, with the introduction of the new Interstate Treaty in 2021, licensing regimes were established for virtual slot games, online poker, and online casino games, which encompass bank-holder games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The German “Interstate Treaty on Gambling” regulation is primarily aimed at consumer protection, including preventing gambling addiction, safeguarding minors and vulnerable individuals.
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