Operators have until 15 October to comply with the terms of the Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeuRStV) in order to continue operating in the market. The treaty will formally come into effect from July 2021.
Under the new regulations, casino operators must withdraw table games by the compliance deadline. They must also implement a €1 per spin cap on slot stakes and block the ability to play multiple slots simultaneously. Sports betting, similar to the previous State Treaty, will be subject to restrictions on in-play betting markets.
Advertising restrictions will remain in place for online slots and poker. Additionally, a blanket €1,000 deposit limit must be imposed across all player accounts, though operators may offer a higher cap of up to €30,000 under specific conditions.
GVC Holdings welcomes the agreement, which provides clarity and certainty for the business in Germany. The company’s CEO, Shay Segev, commends the introduction of the Interstate Treaty and Tolerance Policy, as it establishes a level playing field for responsible, licensed operators.
The Deutscher Sportwettenverband (DSWV), an operator association, also supports the agreement, noting that it allows for a smooth transition to the GlüNeuRStV from 2021. However, the DSWV criticizes the tight implementation deadline and the lack of a point of contact with authorities to confirm compliance.
The DSWV calls on state chancelleries to ensure that the transitional regulations are not used to unduly penalize the industry.
