Casino Rules and Regulations in Germany You Should Know About
Online casinos and gambling are one of the activities that have gained massive popularity in recent years. Besides, they provide entertainment to gamers and income through bets. While there are many online casinos available, you should be on the lookout for the ones that offer mind-blowing odds and promotions. For instance, you can check wildzcasino.de, among the best casinos in the market.
The rules and regulations governing online casinos and gambling in Germany have been complicated in recent history. Nevertheless, the updated Interstate Treaty on Gambling facilitates new licensing possibilities for persons in this industry. Additionally, the ISTG 2021 defines rules on tax rates, licensing conditions, and gambling advertising. Thus, the licenses granted under this new regulation will be valid across Germany. Continue scrolling to discover important casino rules and regulations in Germany you should know about.
Reasons for the Introduction of New Online Casino Laws in Germany
Online casinos and gambling have been influential in Germany for several years, leading to conflicting views and legal battles in federal states. While before 2008, gambling was a free market with no restrictions; today, various laws are imposed to regulate and manage it. For instance, the Interstate Treaty on gambling was introduced to help find a legal solution to the prevailing gambling issues. However, there developed a disagreement between 16 federal states where some choose to issue licenses allowing business continuation for up to 6 years to specific companies.
These differences have made it difficult for German states to have the same laws since each state provides different views concerning gambling. This has led to the development of compromising situations where states like Schleswig-Holstein argue there is a need for more linearization of the laws. Although the desire to protect online gamers from the risks associated with online betting is understandable, failing to offer a valid legal basis for gambling forms like online casinos in Germany is quite disadvantageous. Besides, it has led to customers utilizing black market providers to get the services they require.
New Rules for Online Gambling in Germany You Must Know
Generally, the laws governing gambling in Germany have been quite restrictive for several years. However, with the innovations experienced in the industry, there was a need to regulate gambling outlets and online casinos. Therefore, at the beginning of 2020, the heads of the German states approved new gambling regulations for online poker and casinos. After that, the new rules came into effect in July 2021, but even though the regulatory framework was a bit more reluctant than before, there are still restrictive measures imposed on the law.
Primarily, the restrictive elements were imposed to facilitate gamers with protection while preventing gambling addiction. The restrictions included;
● Limits on in-game sports betting
● Limits for spin-stakes
● Limits on slot machines
● Strict advertising laws
Also, the laws put limits on monthly cash deposits for players at 1000 dollars. Any online gambling platform that breaches these rules are subjected to sanctions such as license withdrawal. If you want to start a gambling company in Germany, it is best to get a consultation from German legal professionals early enough to avoid getting into problems.
New Licensing Laws for Online Casinos and Gambling in Germany
According to the updates in the regulations governing licensing, companies issued with licenses are allowed to operate across Germany legally. The validity of these licenses lasts up to 5 years, upon which they should be renewed. Generally, the ISTG 2021 allows private companies to apply for licenses to offer online poker, virtual slot machines, and sports betting.
The German gambling rules describe gambling as a game of chance. For an event to be considered a game of chance, it must have the following components:
● Determination of winnings is predominantly or entirely based on chance
● Consideration should be valuable
● The consideration is granted in exchange for a winning chance
However, it is essential to note that some aspects of your licensing process will be determined by the specific federal state you are in, especially regarding online casino games. The license provisions will likely be designed following the rules governing the operation of land-based and more traditional casinos.
New Advertising Rules Concerning Online Gambling in Germany
Although the new rules that were introduced provided some liberalization of the pre-existing German laws, there are still strict restrictions on advertising gambling. According to the German states, they hope the limits can help decrease the impact of advertising, especially on younger persons. Therefore, any adverts concerning online gambling are prohibited between 06.00 and 21.00 hours. Moreover, the new law also dictates that advertising should not be targeted at various categories of vulnerable people or minors.
Also, the new law prohibits gambling platforms from cross-advertising. This involves introducing ads to promote your online casino while a particular gamer utilizes their sports betting platform. Rules are also set to govern sports gambling adverts where advertising for betting during or before a live broadcast is not permitted on the same broadcasting channel. Nevertheless, general and jersey sponsorship concerning sports teams is legal.
Anyone found promoting gambling as a means of solving financial issues or giving misleading advertisements about online gambling is subjected to heavy penalties. Also, the law strongly regulates targeted and direct advertising via telephone calls or texts.
In summary, although Germany has imposed various rules regarding gambling, it has not been able to ensure its citizens and investors follow them to the letter. Besides, in this age of the internet and technology, trying to limit or prohibit online gambling strictly has been a challenging task. Whether minors or not, determined gambling customers will still get around the blocks in place to perform betting activities. While breaking the rules might seem fun and all, it is essential to remember that the government aims to protect you from the risks associated with gambling. For instance, betting companies have a way of luring you, and you could end up losing everything to them. Always remember to bet responsibly, as it all starts with the gamer.