Online casinos in Germany are gaining increasing popularity among players every day. Tens of thousands of users from all corners of the country utilize the services of such platforms daily. It is worth noting, however, that although German online casinos are permitted by law, they operate under some of the strictest regulations in Europe. Despite legalization, the high level of regulation and taxation makes the market less attractive to international operators, and some players prefer offshore platforms with more flexible conditions. The primary currency on these platforms is the euro, though cryptocurrencies, which are rapidly gaining popularity, are often seen among the available payment methods. We will discuss this and more in detail below.
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To €300
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To 999 USDT
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To $500
N/A
100% 1-st Deposit Bonus Up to 1000$
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To C$2250
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To C$600
100% 1-st Deposit Bonus Up to 1000$
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To C$600
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 180% Up To 20 000 BCD
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To C$600
150% 1-st Deposit Bonus Up to C$950
100% 1-st Deposit Bonus Up to C$650
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To $500
Welcome Bonus On Your 1st Deposit Is 100% Up To $400 or 1 BTC
Regulation of Gambling in Germany
Germany long adhered to strict rules in the gambling sector, limiting the activities of online casinos. However, on July 1, 2021, a new State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) came into effect, legalizing the operation of online casinos under stringent conditions. Now, online casinos can obtain official licenses but must adhere to strict limitations, such as betting limits, bans on jackpots, and oversight by the regulatory authority Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).
Despite official legalization, the German online casino market remains one of the most regulated in Europe. High taxes and restrictions deter many international operators, and players often seek alternative platforms registered outside the country. Authorities actively combat unlicensed casinos by blocking access to websites and payment systems, yet the demand for gambling in Germany remains consistently high.
Features of Gambling
Online casinos in Germany operate under strict rules aimed at protecting players and minimizing the risks of addiction. Unlike many other countries, German regulations impose rigid restrictions on gameplay, including betting limits, spin speeds, and deposits. These measures make the local market unique but also reduce its appeal to some operators and players.
One key feature is the limit on maximum bets for slots, which cannot exceed €1 per spin. Additionally, there must be a minimum interval of 5 seconds between spins, and the auto-spin function is entirely prohibited. Progressive jackpot slots are also banned in Germany. Furthermore, any visual or sound effects creating an “illusion of winning” are forbidden, and players can only play one slot at a time. To enhance user awareness, casinos are required to display all information about wins and losses in real-time.
Additional restrictions apply to table games: roulette, blackjack, and poker are only available in online casinos owned by state operators. Private companies cannot offer these games. A strict identity verification system (KYC) is also in place, requiring all players to undergo identification before making a deposit. Users registered in the self-exclusion system OASIS cannot register or continue playing.
Another notable feature is advertising restrictions. Operators can promote their services only during specific hours and are prohibited from using bonuses that encourage gambling. Advertising targeting youth, leveraging influencers, or using imagery popular among young people is also banned.
Beyond gaming restrictions, Germany imposes a maximum deposit limit of €1,000 per month per player. Additionally, deposits via Visa and Mastercard have been prohibited since 2021. Authorities also actively block unlicensed casinos and payment services working with them. These stringent measures make the German online casino market one of the most controlled in the world, yet they also drive many users to seek alternative platforms outside the country.
Key Dates
- 2012 – The state of Schleswig-Holstein issues the first licenses to private online casino operators, while the rest of Germany maintains a ban on online gambling.
- 2019 – A temporary relaxation of regulations: federal states agree to legalize online casinos and draft a new State Treaty on Gambling.
- March 12, 2020 – Signing of the new State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021, GlüStV 2021), introducing a legal licensing system.
- October 15, 2020 – Implementation of a “transitional regime,” allowing operators seeking future licenses to operate in Germany under strict rules.
- July 1, 2021 – GlüStV 2021 comes into effect, officially legalizing online casinos across Germany but with stringent restrictions.
- January 1, 2023 – The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) begins operations as the central regulator overseeing the online casino market and combating illegal operators.
Best Payment Methods for Casinos in Germany
Online casinos in Germany operate with a limited range of payment methods, as local regulations prohibit the use of certain popular options, such as credit cards and anonymous cryptocurrency payments. The focus is on secure, licensed, and transparent methods for deposits and withdrawals.
Bank Transfers
- SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) – A standard bank transfer used for deposits and withdrawals. While reliable, transfers can take several business days.
- Sofort (Klarna) – Instant bank transfers that allow quick deposits without entering card details.
- Trustly – Similar to Sofort, but also offers the Pay N Play feature, simplifying registration and deposit processes.
E-Wallets
- PayPal – One of the most popular and convenient payment methods, supported by many licensed casinos in Germany. It ensures fast deposits, withdrawals, and high security.
- Skrill and Neteller – Also widely used, though some casinos restrict their use due to tightening regulations.
| Casino | First Deposit Bonus | Minimum Deposit |
| Drip | 150% Up To 600 EUR | From 10 EUR |
| Starda | 100% Up To 600 EUR + 500 FS | From 10 EUR |
| Booi | 100% Up To 500 EUR + 100 FS | From 10 EUR |
Other Payment Methods
Paysafecard
A popular deposit method allowing players to fund their accounts without sharing bank details. However, it is not suitable for withdrawals.
Mobile Payments
Used for quick and secure transactions, though availability depends on the casino and bank.
Cryptocurrency Payments
Cryptocurrency transactions are prohibited in licensed German casinos. The state regulator (GGL) strictly monitors financial transactions, excluding anonymous deposits. However, some players bypass these restrictions by using offshore casinos registered in jurisdictions where cryptocurrency payments are allowed. They may use crypto wallets and exchanges to convert traditional currencies into digital assets before depositing. Despite this possibility, playing on unlicensed platforms carries risks, including lack of fund protection and difficulties withdrawing winnings.
Online Casinos in Germany FAQ
Yes, since July 1, 2021, online casinos in Germany have been legalized, but they operate under strict rules. Operators must obtain a license, and players must adhere to betting limits, deposit caps, and mandatory verification.
Key restrictions include a €1 maximum bet per spin on slots, a ban on auto-spin and progressive jackpots, and a minimum 5-second delay between spins. Additionally, players can deposit no more than €1,000 per month, and table games like roulette and blackjack are only available in state-operated casinos.
Licensed casinos in Germany allow bank transfers (SEPA, Sofort, Trustly), e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), prepaid cards (Paysafecard), and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Credit cards and cryptocurrencies are prohibited, and illegal payment services are blocked by the state regulator.
No, cryptocurrency payments are banned in licensed German online casinos. However, some players bypass this restriction by using offshore casinos, though such platforms carry risks, including lack of fund protection and difficulties withdrawing winnings.