Schleswig-Holstein has become the first German state to grant licences to commercial operators for offering online casino and table games. Tipico, BluBet, Cashpoint, and Skill on Net are now authorised to operate within the state while adhering to various player protection regulations. Interior Minister Sabine Sutterlin-Waak stated, "By enabling such appealing online options, we aim to deter individuals from resorting to illegal services. They should engage with familiar games in a legal online casino, thereby bolstering the legitimate gambling sector."
Under German law, operators can secure licences for online slots and poker through the federal gambling authority known as Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).
However, each of the 16 states possesses the autonomy to independently issue licences for table games and online casinos, separate from the central regulator. Germany is currently facing challenges with an escalating gambling “black market.” While experts predict this sector will represent approximately 4% of the total GDP (including land-based gambling) in 2023, industry advocates argue that the actual figure is much higher, estimating it at around 20%.
