Could German online casino operators get a temporary reprieve, pending the introduction of new regulations in 2021?

Reports suggest several German states are discussing offering a transition period to allow operators to continue offering online casino products until they are officially legalised from July 2021. 

Though details of the negotiations are sketchy, a spokesperson for the Nordrhein-Westfalen state government said:

“The federal states are currently coordinating the extent to which enforcement measures against illegal gambling can be effectively implemented in the transition phase.”

German media reports also state that authorities in Bavaria, Hamburg, and Berlin are also involved in the discussions. 

With the new Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeuRStV) regulatory model, which is currently being considered by the European Union, not set to come into force until 1 July 2021, German operators offering online casino products are in limbo. 

Though German operators are looking forward to finally having a clearly regulated online gaming market, the proposed regulations are extremely draconian, for example setting a €1 per spin cap on slots, a mandatory deposit limit, and strict advertising rules.  

AYO.NEWS says:

While this could be good news for operators, judging from the speed German politicians have worked at so far, we wouldn’t hold our breath. By the time they’ve agreed on anything, it will probably be next summer anyway. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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