On September 18, 2024, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein made history by becoming the first in the country to grant licenses to private operators for live casino and table games. Among the recipients of these licenses were Tipico, BluBet,Cashpoint (Austrian operator), and Skill On Net. This move marks a significant milestone for the state and for Germany, as it opens the doors to regulated online casino gaming under state supervision.
The state’s Ministry of the Interior emphasized the importance of this shift in policy, noting that the new licensing framework is designed to draw players away from illegal gambling platforms. “By allowing an attractive online offer, we want to prevent players from taking advantage of illegal offers if they want to play the games they know from casinos online,” said Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, the state’s interior minister. This policy aims to strengthen legal gambling and curb the appeal of unregulated alternatives.
Player Protection at the Forefront
The licensed operators will need to comply with strict player protection requirements, ensuring a safe environment for gamblers. Schleswig-Holstein’s decision to introduce these licenses reflects the state’s commitment to responsible gambling. The protections include measures to prevent gambling addiction, making sure operators adhere to a framework that prioritizes the welfare of players.
This initiative aligns with the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv), which came into force on July 1, 2021. While Germany’s federal gambling regulator, Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), is responsible for issuing licenses for online slots and poker, the treaty allows each of Germany’s 16 states to independently grant licenses for online casino table games. Schleswig-Holstein has seized this opportunity, becoming a leader in this space.
Industry Reactions and Implications
Tipico’s iGaming director, Christian Heins, expressed excitement about this development, especially since it took place in his “home state” of Schleswig-Holstein. Heins, along with other industry leaders, sees the license as a way to foster collaborations with table game providers and expand the state’s online gaming offering. The move was applauded by Austria’s gambling trade body, Österreichische Vereinigung für Wetten und Glücksspiel (OVWG), which views the state’s regulatory framework as a potential model for other German regions. The organization highlighted that the new framework would help minimize risks for players by offering a safe and controlled environment for gaming.
The approval of these licenses also represents a broader shift in Germany’s approach to regulating its gambling market. Previously, the country had struggled with a growing black market, exacerbated by delays in regulation and restrictions on advertising for licensed operators. According to the GGL, illegal operators accounted for approximately 4% of Germany’s overall gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2023, though local trade bodies believe this figure is closer to 20% for the online segment.
Schleswig-Holstein Leads the Way
The significance of this event extends beyond Schleswig-Holstein. Many within the industry expect other German states to follow suit by issuing their own licenses for online table games. As the first state to take this step, Schleswig-Holstein is setting a precedent that could redefine the future of regulated online gaming in Germany.
Schleswig-Holstein’s initiative demonstrates how a well-regulated legal framework can help channel players away from illegal platforms and into safer, state-supervised environments. With player protection measures in place and a growing appetite for online gaming, this move could serve as a model for others.
Source:
Schleswig-Holstein Set to Open Regulated Online Casino Market, Schleswig-Holstein Official Website, September 18, 2024.
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