Germany

Online casinos Germany

Around half of German gentlemen are keen gamblers on the web, or at least have some experience in online gambling. Not just the vast number of brick and mortar casinos, but, too, the online casinos offering entertainment and wins online to German based punters, are the culprits. The focus of Germans is on sports betting, plus diverse casino games, Slots included.

As you will read below, there are online gambling licenses in one of the German states, that of Schleswig-Holstein, but these licenses are to expire by 2018. The remaining 15 states must wait for German based online gambling after changes in legislation. Meanwhile, foreign based online casinos are at their disposal, facilitating gambling by supporting the German language among language options. The German punters audience belongs to a country with the most lucrative economy in Europe, and Germany ranks among the first countries in terms of gambling spending in Europe as well.

The German laws regarding online gambling

Unfortunately, the laws do not allow the operating of online casinos from German territory. So Germans have foreign countries based online sites to play on. Many of them are UK based. When visiting such online casinos and opening accounts, Germans do not break any law. However, it turns out that it is technically illegal to make bets on casino games. That is disappointing, even frustrating, but let us hope there will be a change in that in the near future. Meanwhile, German punters keen on online gambling can play on foreign casino sites licensed by jurisdictions such as that of the UK.

How gambling laws have developed

The first treaty on gambling originated in 2008, and was an interstate treaty which imposed restrictions, with the aim of curbing gaming addiction and lessening fraud opportunities. Out of the 16 German states, 15 signed it. Just the state of Schleswig-Holstein took an exception. Later, in 2010, a European Court of Justice stated that such restrictions curbed freedom. One year later, in 2011, Schleswig-Holstein devised its own laws, and they took effect starting from January 2012. Under that state's laws, operators could obtain gambling licensing, for a five-year period. Approximately at the same time, the interstate treaty was revised, and online gambling additions were made. Online lotteries were allowed, and also sports betting licenses, but the latter should be up to 20. Another change in the revised version was the removal of internet blocks on German casinos. Gambling operators had to stop offering poker and casino games to German based punters.

Then Schleswig-Holstein applied for entering the interstate treaty. But prior to that it had granted some licenses, among which were 23 for operating online casinos which are to expire by 2018. These licenses do not comply with EU legislation, so the European Court of Justice stated that owing to their lack of compliance they should not be extended to cover other German states. According to the court, there is no problem having two diverse licensing modes, but they must not be in contradiction with the competition laws in Europe.

Games you will find on online casinos Germany

For Slots aficionados, these casinos offer the convenience of categories to facilitate the choice: new games, jackpot Slots, Video Slots, classic games. High rollers will be pampered with special high roller Slots. Plus, you can browse all the games in an all games list section, if you are looking for specific titles.

The range of Blackjack games is also appealing. Add to that the comfort of playing from any place, and add, further,  to that the possibilities for checking your hand, to compare it to the strategy tables. Online Blackjack playing will enable you to set your speed of gaming, and achieve more wins. It is a great way of getting your first experience in this game, at an unhurried pace, if you have not played Blackjack previously.

Roulette and Baccarat games, Bingo and Keno, plus Video Poker, will also form parts of the games palette. To them will be added table games, and there are Live Casino games on offer as well. That variety is brought about by the powering using diverse softwares: you will find IGT, NetEnt, Play'N GO, NextGen, plus some more softwares

Welcome bonuses

The welcome bonuses will meet you with fantastic bonus amounts on your first several deposits, plus free spins. They will invite you to sign up and then avail yourself of the bonus amounts that will be extended to you,

Loyalty programmes to reward you for regular gambling

On online casinos Germany you will find loyalty programmes where you will gather points, to redeem them later, for cash, or avail yourself of special promotions. These will be pleasant surprises and will up your satisfaction with your online gambling experiences.

Mobile casinos and mobile apps

On casinos available online for German based players, you can find mobile versions where great games, mostly Slots, are expecting you. You can open mobile versions on iOS or Android devices, and you can be offered special apps, too.

Some further information and tips

You can rely on all round support, first of all via Live Chat, but you also have email and telephone contact details to use. Whenever a query arises, you can contact the support team and get explanations and clarifications.

When you register, and need to deposit, you will not be restricted to specific banking methods. The most convenient ones are the international payment means, like the Skrill and NETELLER e-wallets. For German based punters, you will also find the SOFORT payment method, which is the most popular one for online bank transfers in Germany.

When selecting an online casino to play on, please check the license first. Playing on a reputable casino will spare you the misfortune of not getting your wins paid, for example. Another safe approach to enjoying online gambling is by looking for reviews on casinos of your choice, prior to signing up. When choosing, it is better to opt for a larger operator. On larger gambling sites the diversity of games is much vaster, and you will, too, benefit from their mobile versions.