Get ready for a real treat! Find all the important information you need to know about how German online gambling works, and what online gambling options are available for German players. Learn all about the available online casino games and get our tips for beginners!
The very first German casino opened in Baden-Baden in 1764 and immediately began to attract counts and princes. The popularity of the casino soon led to casinos opening in Berlin, Bad Homburg and Wiesbaden.
Modern casinos in the modern sense of the word appeared in Germany in the 19th century, in the Rhineland region. Most often, casinos were created on the site of old, abandoned spa towns, thus combining leisure health and wellness services with a heaping helping of delights.
It was also at this time that the railway system began to be developed across Europe, so German casinos attracted and welcomed visitors from all over the continent. Thus a new kind of tourism was born. The casinos were housed in large buildings with vast and magnificent interiors, giving the impression of luxury and exclusivity.
However, there was a downside to this tourism, namely gambling addiction, which was categorised as a disease. So after 1870, gambling was banned in Germany, and was not allowed again until 2021.
Despite the fact that gambling has only recently been re-legalised in Deutschland, the country has caught up and, in keeping with its great casino past, now stands out among all countries in real money virtual gambling. Of course, this could not have been achieved without the rapid development of technology, which has made access to digital casinos easy for everyone.
In 2021, Germany has not only legalised gambling, but has also reformed its gambling legislation, including online gambling. This means that the issues surrounding online betting have been clarified and the German government has made the protection of gamblers a priority.
Indeed, German gamblers have a lot of choice when looking for an online gambling platform. These laws and regulations ensure that they can navigate between these sites comfortably and safely.
It is important to make sure that an online casino suits your preferences. Here are some criteria to look at: licence, game selection, providers selection, payment options - but these are not all, just a few to help you get started. But they are important, and you need to pay particular attention to them.
So what should you look out for when choosing the best digital casino for German players?
These are all important aspects to consider as a German player. Naturally, it is impossible to come up with a single list of the all-time best casinos, as the iGaming market is very competitive and constantly changing. This is not a bad thing from a players point of view, as digital casinos try to constantly evolve around these criterias, which means they are becoming better and better.
And we shouldn’t forget about personal preferences in addition to the stable criterias collected. It matters a lot how much you like a particular casino because of some reason, albeit the casino’s whole vibe with its design and user interface, or the game selection.
In the list above I have presented a few considerations that should help you choose the best digital casino for you. Of course, there are some certain indicators that usually are good signs, like no deposit bonuses or free spins.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into this segment of casino evaluations, as it is a soft spot of ours. You can check out the game categories and game library of a digital casino before you register at the gaming platform.
It is worth taking advantage of this to know what to expect. It also helps you decide whether you should register at the site or not.
When checking out the game categories, pay attention to the software developers as well. There are many gaming operators these days, it is hard to keep track of them, but there are a few top-notch ones that’s names you can easily memorise. So when you encounter them, you will know that their games will not let you down.
Below are some of the game developers without whom virtual gaming would not be a complete experience. We also introduce them a little bit and mention their most popular games, the names are known to every German gambler. And if you're a complete beginner, it's definitely useful to know the names of at least a few developers.
Founded in 1996, it’s one of the first developers that has since become one of the most important ones in the industry. It’s the most trusted developer when it comes to mobile gaming, as 40% of its games are designed for smart devices. It has created games such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Dead or Alive.
Founded in 1994, and there is no player who doesn't know its name. The creation of the first online gambling platform, cutting-edge technology, immersive gameplay and total reliability are what this provider is known for. And also for games like Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II and Book of Oz.
Founded in 2012, this Swedish company has grown at a rapid pace to become one of the most sophisticated game creators on the market. Its name is synonymous with innovative concepts, unique themes and full mobile optimisation. We can enjoy titles such as Pink Elephants, Esqueleto Explosivo and Midas Golden Touch made by it.
The most popular game categories at the best internet gaming platforms in Deutschland include the following: slots, video slots, Megaways slots, jackpots, table games, card games, crash games, live casino (or live dealer) games, game shows, instant play, dice games, sport betting, free play and games categorised by developers. Sometimes these categories can intertwine.
The table below shows some well-known, popular titles by name and category. On the better gaming platforms, you will usually find a good number of these, as they are highly sought after.
| Online slots | Midas Golden Touch, King of Mafia, Money Train 4, Razor Shark, Book of Magic, Sugar Rush 1000, Book of Rebirth etc. |
|---|---|
| Live casino games | Sic Bo, Wheel of Fortune, Funky Time, Treasure Island, Monopoly Live, European Blackjack, Blackjack Multihand, Lightning Roulette etc. |
| Special games | Aviator, Hi-Lo, Buffalo Smash, Boxes, Minesweeper, Big Bass Crash, Ninja Frog, Plinko, Spaceman, Blocks etc. |
Most casino games, especially slots, can be tried for free on most platforms. The benefit of the demo versions is that you can experience what a game looks like, how its mechanics work, what are its rules etc. These will all enhance your chances of winning, peculiarly if you are a fresh German player in this area. So, what are the hottest types of games? - you may ask. Let’s dive in!
Online slots, including classic online and video slots, Megaways slots, variable volatility slots and progressive jackpots. The best providers have made some amazing improvements to make online slots innovative.
The impressive thing about online slots compared to traditional slots is the insanely fast pace of their development. There are so many amazing interactive, cinematic slot machines with innovative features in the gaming market that sometimes your jaw drops at the high level of their design.
There are many different types of slot games that you can choose from, including:
Among the live casino games there are roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker (these four have endless variants), craps, Sic Bo, Wheel of Fortune, and game shows like Funky Time, Treasure Island and Monopoly Live. And here is an interesting fact: video poker is the only game in online German casinos that, when played with a good strategy, can return more than 100% of your money to you in the long run.
Nowadays, more and more German players expect that if a gaming site wants to be really good, it should have a live casino section. This section has gained significant value in recent years because it evokes the atmosphere of a physical casino.
With the games available here, gamblers can enjoy the same experience as they would in a land-based casino. Not only can you interact with friendly dealers while streaming, but also with other players, so community building is now a part of gaming. All from the comfort of your own home, hence live casino games have become a mainstay of many gaming platforms.
Live games are characterised by a huge range of versatility, which means that the level of complexity, functionality and visual appeal of the games vary greatly.
This term is used to describe games that you can play against the casino and, unlike live games, you can try them out in demo versions because they don't require streaming.
They are very popular on gaming platforms because they include several card games and their numerous variants, such as blackjack, poker, and baccarat. However, craps, roulette, wheel of fortune and their variants can all be included here.
Special games are also among the most wanted, and these include scratch cards, keno, bingo, crash games like Aviator and so on. Scratch cards are the same as any other game or promotion, but the online selection is larger than what you would find in lottery ticket shops or other places that sell lottery tickets.
So 'specialty games' is an umbrella term. It includes all games of chance that do not fall into the three main categories already mentioned. Therefore, if you find such a category on a gaming platform, it's like a bag of tricks: you never know what you're going to get. And this is exactly what makes them exciting.
In this part of the article, we want to give you an insight into how to start gambling online as a German player if you want to have fun and minimise your losses. Below, we will give you some tips and strategies to increase your chances of winning, i.e. to get the most out of your time on the gaming platform.
Analyse your financial situation so you can make informed decisions. This will ensure that you can have fun and spend only as much of your money as you can afford, without it affecting your daily life. The name for the amount you get with this calculation is bankroll.
The next step is to set betting limits. One of the limits you set should include the maximum amount you are willing to lose in a game. Don't be easy on yourself when it comes to sticking to these limits!
As a beginner, it is also important to play with low amounts. If you stick to this, you'll have a longer bankroll and a longer gaming experience. Do not invest more than 1% of your balance per bet!
If you are losing, accept it, don't make impulsive decisions to get back the money you lost immediately. Stick to your limits. In fact, it is best to keep a record of your losses and winnings. Thanks to these 'reports' you can analyse your performance over time, which can help you develop a long-term strategy.
And most importantly: know when to stop! When you reach your profit or loss limit, stop playing - at least for that day.
Especially if you are a complete beginner. You should always find a decent, secure platform. A good starting point is to know one or two gaming sites with a good reputation. If you don't know of any, you can also read user reviews of different casinos within the communities already mentioned.
The second main pillar of finding a digital casino is the licence. Never use the platform of a casino that does not have a valid licence from a well-known gaming authority, such as the Malta Gambling Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, as these licences guarantee the integrity of the platform, that it is safe and that your winnings will be paid out. You can usually find the licence in the footer of the website.
And speaking of security, you should always read the terms of use and privacy policy for a full description of the measures a gaming site takes to protect your personal and financial information.
Of course, the providers a casino works with, its game menu and bonus offers, the availability of its customer service and payment options are also important considerations when choosing a gambling platform.
The providers should include bigger, well-known names. This is why we mentioned some of them earlier. The providers must also be licensed by a gaming authority, and the popular ones certainly are, so finding them on a gaming platform is a guarantee that the platform is trustworthy.
When it comes to bonuses, pay close attention to the fact that they also have their own terms of use. If nothing else, be sure to read these, because in this 'fine print' are the wagering requirements and expiry times, which can completely transform the appeal of an offer.
When it comes to customer support, one of the most important things is to have live chat, as this will ensure the fastest access to help. It's a huge advantage if you are connected to a real person rather than a chatbot.
And when it comes to financial transactions, the most important thing is that the most convenient method for you is to be available from the country you are playing from - in this case, Germany. If it's not available, see what alternatives are available, and if nothing suits you, look for another casino that offers the most popular payment providers for German players.
As for the game menu: playing with the free version of the games is beneficial, especially for novice German players, because they can familiarise themselves with the game's features while having risk-free fun. Playing the demo versions is essential to understand the rules.
If you are unsure about anything to do with online gambling, there are several ways to ask for guidance. On the one hand, you can do your research online, visiting sites like the one you are currently on. On such sites you will not only find casino and game reviews, but also useful tips and advice.
When looking for a digital casino, you will notice that there are several contact details for the customer service of a particular casino. You can contact customer support through these channels, in many places without having to register. German customer service teams are usually made up of professional, friendly people who are happy to answer your questions. Or read the FAQ section, which can also be found on all the better gaming platforms in Germany.
Or if you have someone in your circle of friends who already has experience with gaming, they'll certainly be happy to help. If you don't know such a person, you can turn to the online gambler communities for guidance.
Gambling should be for entertainment, which is why gambling addiction prevention is an important issue for licence issuers, game manufacturers and digital casinos. Gambling addiction is an issue to be taken seriously and those affected should be able to get help wherever they are. To ensure this, digital casinos provide a wide range of assistance.
There are sections on ‘Responsible Gaming’ in which advice is listed, external advice centres are introduced and various limits are addressed. Players can set themselves limits for stakes, losses, session times and more. For German players, there is the DHS, German Centre for Addiction Issues, where you can find help in your area.
We would like to provide you with transparent, helpful information about online gambling, to make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of gaming. The quality of an internet casino is made up of the criterias listed here, all of which German players should consider equally when making a choice. This is the only way to guarantee a positive gaming experience.
We always ensure the quality and safety of the digital casinos we recommend to you. It's important that, for all that online gaming platforms offer an overwhelming gaming experience and exhilarating ways to win, we keep it real!
Know exactly how much money you would have no problem losing. Don't jeopardise your livelihood, housing and family relationships for the sake of gambling! If you feel you are becoming addicted, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
If the online casino you’re eyeing has a reputable licence, then yes. Look for licences that are coming from the MGA, UKGC or CGA authorities.
The best and therefore most popular casino bonuses are the no deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses, no deposit free spins, deposit free spins, and occasionally, the reload and cash back bonuses.
Yes. Anyone over the legal age of 18 can legally gamble in online casinos.
