Germans have a love for gambling, exhibited by the fact that they are one of the largest gambling markets in the world. That’s why it is baffling that Germany has such restrictive laws regarding online casinos and other gambling sites.

In 2016, the European Union told Germany that they couldn’t punish offshore operators for accepting German customers, nor could they punish Germans for playing at these sites. This means that even though you might not have access to an online casino licensed in Germany, you can still legally play at an offshore casino. 2020's top casinos in Germany include Kurhaus Baden-Baden, Casino Baden-Baden Spielbank + Kurhaus. Add these and more to your travel plan. The legality of casino gaming in Germany is determined by the underlying Casino Gaming laws that differ from one state to the other. In some states, all types of casino gaming are legal. While in others only specific forms of casino gaming are legal. This also applies to the land-based casino joints and casino houses.

Presently, online gambling in almost every form is banned in Germany, and those methods that are legal under the law are not available because the government hasn’t seen fit to issue licenses. These restrictions haven’t stopped Germans from gambling online and playing the games they love. Read our guide to German online casinos to learn how you can legally enjoy slots, blackjack, roulette, and other casino games.

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Famous German Online Gamblers

Several of the top German poker players got their start playing poker online and some such as Fedor Holz continue to play online on a regular basis. Players such as Dominik Nitsche, Christoph Vogelsang, and even 2011 WSOP Main Event Champion Pius Heinz all started playing online and went on to become superstars in the live game.

Casinos In Germany

Learn more about Germany’s online gambling laws, the types of online gambling sites available and how to stay safe while gambling online.

German Online Gambling Laws

Online gambling in Germany is subject to the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (IGT) that was passed in October 2011. Under the IGT, 20 sportsbooks were allowed to apply for licenses, but the law explicitly bans online casinos and online poker rooms.

Gambling Casinos In Germany

Presently, the only forms of online gambling permitted under German law are sports betting (with licensed providers), online horse betting and online lottery sales. Online poker is not allowed in Germany because courts have ruled poker as a game of chance and not skill. As such, it’s only available in live casinos.

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Schleswig-Holstein passed the Gaming Reform Act (GRA) in 2011 and from January 2012 to February 2013 issued 48 licenses for online casino and online sports betting operations. However, the parliament decided to repeal the law in part due to conflicting with the Interstate Treaty. Since February 2013, Schleswig-Holstein has acceded to the Interstate Treaty.

Online Casinos In Germany

Online gambling in Germany is a sticky subject because presently there are no licensed bodies permitted to offer sports betting, horse betting or online lottery. As such, online gambling is still illegal.

However, the Courts of Justice of the European Union issued an unusual ruling in 2016 stating that German authorities are not permitted to penalize or restrict international online betting sites, even if they do not hold a German license.

What this means is that while online gambling is technically illegal in Germany, the government cannot legally prosecute you for gambling online.