Online gambling should be allowed

The federal states agree to approve offers such as poker and roulette on the Internet subject to certain conditions.

Gambling in Germany is about to change

After lengthy negotiations, the federal states have agreed on an amendment to the law that will largely allow games of chance like situs judi bola terpercaya on the Internet. Online poker and digital roulette games, but also virtual slot machines, would be legal nationwide for the first time. According to the plans, permanent permits are to be given for sports betting, which has so far taken place in a legal gray area. The state lottery monopoly remains.

Germany is the largest gaming market in Europe

According to data from the federal states, lotteries, sports betting and casino providers have a turnover of 13.9 billion euros in this country. One-fifth of this amount is accounted for by previously illegal offers. It is estimated that providers of banned online casinos alone earn around two billion euros a year. Slot machines in restaurants and amusement arcades still have the largest share, followed by the 16 lottery companies. Illegal offers are by far the fastest-growing.

With the reform plans, the federal states, which are largely responsible for gambling, are reacting to the pressure created by the booming black market. They never really succeeded in enforcing the previously applicable bans. Black market providers from abroad were able to act without fear of consequences. Proponents of market opening complain that the state has been missing tax revenues for years. Critics fear a higher risk of addiction, especially for younger people, with the now proposed rules.

The new State Treaty on Gambling provides for a national competent authority to regulate online services. According to the draft, players are not allowed to deposit more than 1000 euros per month across all offers. The cash flows are to be monitored centrally. A nationwide lock file is intended to protect gamblers. Providers must also have an “automated system” for the early detection of addiction risks. In the future, it should be allowed to offer sports betting and slot machine games on the same platform and also to broker lotteries. This must be distinguished from casino games such as roulette and blackjack. Companies are to be granted separate state licenses for these, with the states being able to decide largely autonomously on details.