Best 58 Online Casinos in Germany 2020
Online Casinos in Germany
Germany is one of the leading European countries in terms of gambling popularity, particularly pertaining to online gambling. The country has an avid player base of gambling enthusiasts who spend their time at many European online casinos as a form of seeking profits of purely for entertainment purposes.
The country has a complicated legal history of gambling, but in summary, land casinos and certain forms of online gambling are legal, including sports betting and casino games. However, the number of German-based online casinos is far too few between, and Germans much prefer gaming at online casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority. While this is technically not legal, it is also not illegal, falling under a grey area of gambling legislation. Thus, German gamers cannot be legally prosecuted for gaming at offshore online casinos. These online casinos are often available in the German language, use the EUR as currency, and offer top-tier games and numerous security measures to keep players safe.
As a German player, you can expect to game at the most trustworthy online casinos on the planet, as these operators are often licensed by the MGA, the most esteemed regulatory body on the market. What’s more, German gamers can expect online casinos that often have 1000+ games of all kinds brought on by leading software companies. Of course, bonuses play a big part in the online world as well, and Germans can take advantage of numerous welcome bonuses and free spins that can easily double one’s bankroll.
Looking to get started? Have a look at our reviews for more details on each of our featured online casino. No matter your choice, you can’t make a wrong turn here. All of the German online casinos featured on our website have been thoroughly vetted by our team of experts, meaning you can expect nothing but quality and security.
Mobile Casinos in Germany
Nowadays, online casinos and mobile casinos mean basically the same thing. An online casino without mobile support is dead in the water, as it automatically loses more than half of existing and potential customers.Mobile gaming has been on a massive rise in recent years, and today more than 50% of all online wagers are placed via smartphones or tablets.
Germany, being a prominent country in terms of technological advancement, ranks 9th in the world by smartphone penetration, meaning over 70% of the country’s populace of 80,000,000+ own a smartphone device.The most popular devices in the country are all Samsung and Apple products. Namely, the iPhone 7 and 8 models and Samsung Galaxy’s S7 and S8 models.
The country’s operators all have wide coverage (90%+) of the 4G network, with 5G set to be slowly introduced over the coming period. This translates to reliable 4G data connections and Internet access from virtually anywhere in the country. Thus, German players can reliably enjoy online casinos on mobile devices, and incidentally, all of the top German online casinos boast excellent mobile support. By excellent mobile support we mean a fast, smooth-functioning mobile website or app, access to hundreds of mobile games, customer support optimized for smartphones and access to banking options.
History of Gambling in Germany
As Germany is an old country with a rich history, it’s only logical that it has a vast history of gambling as well. Gambling in the country has been present for as long as money has been in circulation, dating as far back as the middle ages. However, unlike in many other countries, gambling never took to the mainstream and was often frowned upon by society.
The amount of gamblers has always been minimal in comparison to other countries where it was also illegal at the time. This is because gambling was always viewed as a morally questionable activity. Following the end of World War 2, German infrastructure was shattered, and many new laws took place, one of which let states decide their own gambling legislation, while gambling itself remained illegal on a federal level.
This paved the way for the opening of sports betting shops and casinos, but gambling only took off near the beginning of the 21st century, with the advent of online betting. Online casinos were considered illegal at the time, but this did not stop German citizens from betting in off-shore online casinos. The state of Schleswig-Holstein was the only state which legalized online gambling and started issuing its own license. The country had issued over 50 online casino licenses for Germans to play at, but they all expired in 2018. The state of Schleswig-Holstein then decided to abandon its own gambling legislation and joined the other German states in abiding the IGT (Interstate Gambling Treaty). This treaty took effect in 2008 and put a ban on all forms of online betting. The IGT was amended in 2012 to allow online sports betting and lottery, but casinos and poker were left untouched.
Legal casinos, who are state-run, but still owned by private contractors, are available in Germany. In fact, there are over 50 land casinos in the country. However, their popularity is low and diminishing as time goes on. This is because these establishments are not like the Vegas-styled casinos. They sometimes require an entry fee, have a smoking ban, are not open 24/7, and are rarely conjoined with hotels, shopping malls or restaurants. This makes them unattractive to visit for most gambling enthusiasts in the country, and their profits are dwindling by the year.
On the other hand, online gambling has been witnessing an exponential rise in popularity, despite its technically illegal status. German bettors take their cash to off-shore online casinos, an activity that does not put them liable for criminal prosecution.
As Germany is a fairly progressive country, we expect a more updated online gambling legislation in the near future that would pave the way for German-based online casinos. Given online gambling’s popularity, the country would gain massive tax revenue and lose basically nothing in the process.
Are Casinos Legal in Germany?
Yes, some there are over 50 legal land casinos on German soil, and dozens of online sports betting and lottery sites up and running.
The Baden-Baden casino is the most popular land casino in Germany, a history dating back to the 1800s when it was first opened. The casino stands out with its glamour and elegance. It also hosts a myriad of Table Games and over 130 Slot Machines.
Other popular land casinos in Germany are the Casino Duisburg, the Speilbank Hamburg, Casino Reeperbahn, and Casino Bad Wiesse, hosting over 200 Slot Machines on offer. As German federal law allows states to make up their own gambling legislation, gambling can be considered half-legal in the country. The other half is the topic of online gambling. Up until very recently, in 2018, German online casinos were completely legal, as long as they held a license issued by Schleswig-Holstein. Unfortunately, the state decided not to renew these licenses upon expiry, thus joining the other states in their stance towards online casinos.
Yet, not one sentence of German legislation strictly prohibits German residents to place bets at off-shore licensed casinos, such as those licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission.
As such, many European online casinos are available in German and offer German-language customer support, as well as thousands of modern games to wager on. What’s more, gambling winnings are not yet taxable in the country, which means that Germans make up for a fair share of the overall online gambling player base.
In short, it is not illegal to place online bets as a German citizen, as long as the casino is not situated within the country itself.
The Best Games for German Online Casino Players
Germany has a long history of gambling, but no particular games standout as strictly preferred by the German players. The truth is, German players have enjoyed all forms of gambling throughout the years, a fact which stands true to this day.
Poker and Blackjack were always enjoyed as games of skill, whereas other Table Game staples such as Roulette and Baccarat have been a prominent inclusion in German gambling establishments, even during the illegal era. In the online gambling world, Germans enjoy everything that is on offer. As natural fans of a number of sports, German gamblers love betting on football, as well as various racing-based sports.
Across online casinos, Germans enjoy virtually everything offered to them:
- Classic Slot Machines
- Video Slots
- Progressive Jackpot Slots
- Table Games
- Poker Clients
- Live Casino Games
- Scratch Cards
- Keno
- Virtual Sports
- Sports Betting
As a German bettor, your choices are virtually limitless, which is why one of the many advantages of online casinos.
FAQ
📌 Do I Need to Pay Taxes on Online Gambling Winnings in Germany?
In Germany, players do not have to pay any taxes on gambling winnings. Online casinos are subjected to a VAT tax rate of 19% of their gross gaming revenue. Sports betting and horse race betting operators are subjected to a 5% tax rate on all stakes, whereas lottery operators are taxed at a whopping 20% rate of all bets.
📌 Can I Play With Euros at Online Casinos?
Yes. The Euro is the universal currency across European online casinos, and you would be hard-pressed to find one that won’t offer it as your primary currency.
Is It Safe To Play at German Online Casinos?
German legislation does not allow making online wagers and the operation of German-based online casinos. Many German-based online casinos did exist not too long ago under the Schleswig-Holstein license, but their licenses expired in 2018 and were not extended as they did not comply with EU law. Therefore, new legislation regarding online gambling is still pending in Germany. However, this does not make placing bets at off-country online casinos illegal. As such, it is perfectly safe to place to gamble on sites from other countries, especially those licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission.
📌 Can I Play For Free at German Online Casinos?
Yes. Most games, especially video slots, can be played for free for an unlimited amount of time as a way of testing the game’s mechanics. In some cases, you will need to create an account to play games in “Fun Mode”, but no deposits are required whatsoever. Free versions of games are mirror replicas of their real money counterparts and give you a good outlook on what to expect before you play for real.
📌 Can I Expect Bonuses at German Online Casinos?
Yes. European online casinos number in the hundreds, and most if not all of them are accepting of German players. These online casinos strive to stand out from the competition in numerous ways, one of which is promotional offers. As a German player, you can expect hefty welcome bonuses, free spins, no deposit bonuses, cashback offers, and so forth.
📌 Are There Withdrawal Fees at German Online Casinos?
This depends on the withdrawal method you are using. In general, German online casinos rarely employ fees themselves. You are more likely to be charged by your payment operator, especially if you are withdrawing through Bank Transfer. E-wallet operators, on the other hand, charge minimal fees that won’t make a dent in your overall gambling income.
📌 What Do I Need To Do To Receive My Winnings?
As per standard online gambling regulations for means of safety and anti-fraudulent activities, all players are required to verify their identity before requesting a withdrawal. This means sending a photo or a scan of your personal ID to the casino’s customer support team. Often, a casino will require you to complement this with a photo or scan of a utility bill that is no older than 3 to 6 months, such as a phone, electricity or water bill. The verification process usually takes 48 hours, and we recommend you complete it as soon as you have created an account to avoid prolonged withdrawal times.
📌 How Long Will It Take Before I Receive My Winnings?
Withdrawal times are highly dependent on the payment method you are using. Bank Transfer withdrawals take the longest, usually up to a full working week. The same can be said for credit/debit card withdrawals as well, as in principle they are the same as bank transfers. On the flipside, payouts to e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill are usually processed within 24 hours, and often times instantly.
📌 Which Payment Methods Are Available at German Online Casinos?
German players have the luxury of choosing between dozens of respectable payment options for both deposit and withdrawal purposes. This means a great selection of credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and even cryptocurrency if one so chooses. German players have the most popular European payment methods at their disposal, as well as some popular German payment options such as Sofort, SEPA, and Giropay. Despite PayPal’s ban on gambling transactions for German residents, your options at hand are nigh limitless. We will give you a list of the most commonly used German payment methods.
- VISA
- MasterCard
- Maestro
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Sofort
- SEPA
- GiroPay
- MuchBetter
- Trustly
- Paysafecard
- Zimpler
Before deciding on which payment method to use, have a look at the fees. If speed is your primary concern, then make sure to use an e-wallet. All e-wallet providers charge minimal fees, but they still differ to some extent. We recommend Neteller and Skrill if you are funding your e-wallets via means other than your bank account. If you plan on linking your bank account to your payment method, then we recommend using MuchBetter, as transactions are completely free this way.
How We Select the Best German Online Casinos
The European market is overflowing with hundreds of licensed and regulated online casinos. As German players can game anywhere they like with no fear of legal repercussions, it is safe to label most of these casinos as German online casinos. In fact, many of them are available in German as well, meaning it is obvious they are looking to cater to the German player base.
Of course, as a newcomer to online gambling, making a choice can be difficult. However, you can rest assured that our team of experts working around the clock to bring you the best German online casinos. As you read on, you will learn more about our review process, and the criteria we look at to determine a casino’s quality.
Security of German Online Casinos
German online casinos are, without exception, licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the undisputed leader in terms of trustworthiness out of all licensing bodies on the planet. This means that German casinos are the safest around, as these operators must adhere to strict guidelines imposed by the MGA. Security, fair play, safe and reliable payments, verified set of games – these are the things you can expect out of every MGA-licensed online casino. Operators who disobey their licensing body’s guidelines on fair play and security risk heavy punishment in the form of monetary fines, and in some cases, removal of their license.
Language of German Online Casinos
Most of the leading European online casinos are available in German and offer the EUR as a primary currency. Those that are available in English, but still licensed by the MGA, are also available to Germans. It’s up to you if you’d like to play in your domestic language or in English, but in other aspects, these online casinos are virtually identical.
A Note on Licensing
You may notice we mention the Malta Gaming Authority as a strict requirement for German online casinos. However, it is important to note that German players are free to play at any casino they like, but the MGA-licensed casinos are the most trustworthy on the market, which is why we put a strong emphasis on this licensing body.
Customer Support at German Online Casinos
German gamers can enjoy free-flowing gaming sessions thanks to professional customer support available via multiple channels, which is without exception available at all of our recommended German online casinos. These casinos offer support via live chat, available 7 days of the week, and often 24/7. Also, telephone support via International and even German phone numbers is often on the menu, as is e-mail support as a basic requirement.
Software Providers and Gaming Selection for German Online Casino Players
It is a fact that the majority of leading European online casinos are available to German players. These casinos are “leading” for a reason, and one such reason is their quality gaming selection. As a German player, you can expect to have your choice between hundreds of online casino games brought on by industry leaders in the likes of Net Entertainment, Thunderkick, Quickspin, Yggdrasil, Play N Go, Evolution Gaming, and others.
Slot Machines
In the online casino world, Slot Machines are king, and Video Slots, in particular, boasting top-tier graphics, innovative bonus features, and excellent payout mechanics. Classic Slots are also on offer at many German online casinos, as are a number of Progressive Jackpots, such as NetEnt’s Mega Fortune and Microgaming’s Mega Moolah – both millionaire makers and record-breakers in the online gambling industry.
Table Games
Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, Craps – these are the bare minimum inclusion of Table Games that can be found at every German online casino. What makes things interesting is that the casinos offer dozens of exciting spins on these basic Table Games, offering a myriad of innovative variations that will elevate your gaming sessions to a new level.
Video Poker
Video Poker lovers at German online casinos can often indulge in popular titles in the likes of Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, All American – many of which are available in Regular, Multi-Hand and Double Up variants.
Live Casino
The Live Casino is a must-try for any game of skill enthusiasts. At German online casinos, Evolution Gaming is usually in charge of live dealer tables, meaning the absolute peak of quality as long as this game type is concerned. Live dealer tables are powered by high-definition streams through which you can view the table and its presenters, who you can chat in real-time. What’s more, Evolution’s live casino boasts some of the industry’s most unique and innovative Table Game variants on the market.
Bonuses and Promotions for German Casino Players
Besides games, bonuses are an important factor of equal value to the majority of gamers. Simply put, the opportunity of doubling your bankroll with fair bonus terms is too good to pass up on. And fortunately, German online casinos boast the best and fairest promotional offers on the market, ranging from the welcome bonus to various free spins promos.
Welcome Bonuses
Just like Video Slots are the kings of the gaming department, the Welcome Bonus shares the same crown in terms of bonuses and promotions. As a newcomer to a German online casino, you can always expect a welcome bonus to kickstart your bankroll by offering a 100% or even a 200% match on your first deposit. Bonuses are not exactly free money, however, as wagering requirements and terms and conditions are also a thing. The good thing is that German online casinos feature extremely fair bonus terms that make it easy for you to take out extra money out of your initial deposit.
Free Spins Bonuses
Free Spins Bonuses are increasing in popularity as time goes on. These bonuses can often be played on a single game, or a set of games – for instance, NetEnt games. Bonus cash derived from Free Spins usually must be wagered before withdrawing those funds is made possible.
No Deposit Bonuses
The German player base is often targeted with No Deposit Bonuses, as this player base is highly lucrative in the eyes of casino operators. No Deposit Bonuses are a fantastic way of enticing newcomers, as players can win some cash with no risk on their part. Keep in mind, however, that No Deposit Bonuses have strict wagering requirements and cashout limits – usually €100. Still, as far as free money is concerned, there’s hardly room for complaining.