In July of last year, Germany legalized online gaming through the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv), which was ratified by lawmakers. This treaty gave individual states the power to determine their own regulations for online table games, allowing them to either establish a monopoly or issue a number of licenses equal to their land-based casinos. Nordrhein-Westfalen has chosen the latter path and plans to issue five licenses.
The decision aligns with public demand, aiming to redirect players to regulated platforms instead of illegal operators. Licenses will only be granted if operators do not jeopardize public safety or hinder public interests. Additionally, they must be registered in an EU member state and comply with the State Treaty.
Following its second reading, the bill received backing from the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). However, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) proposed amendments, including a ban on bonuses and discounts, a complete advertising ban, and a two-year cooling-off period for companies involved in online gambling prior to regulation. These amendments were ultimately rejected.
The legislation articulates its intent by stating, “A permitted range of online casino games is to be created. The population’s demand for such a range of games is to be channeled into a permitted market in order to attract players who would otherwise continue to play with black market providers. These providers from abroad would play against the risk of fraud and manipulation as well as against particularly addictive game designs and advertising measures through regulatory requirements. Channeling players into the legal market can also deprive the black market of its financial basis.”
Schleswig-Holstein has recently enacted similar legislation, permitting the operation of online casino games in its region.
