In this article we are going to cover all you need to know on betting tax in Germany and alternatives on where you can play with better odds.
Introduction
Gambling in Germany has a long history, with the country’s first gambling facilities emerging centuries ago. However, the modern landscape of gambling regulation in Germany has evolved significantly over time due to various legal, social, and economic factors. One of the earliest forms of organized gambling in Germany dates back to the 18th century when state lotteries were established and one of the first casinos ever to open doors Casino Wiesbaden also originates from Germany. As a traditionally invested in sports nation, the betting and casino market flourished in 21st century when legalizations and betting laws were not in place and sites like Bwin, Tipico and Bet3000 were the first to start operating online. Once the government started giving licenses to bookmakers and casino 5% betting tax was introduced.
Betting Tax in Germany
There are several ways the tax can be implented:
- Tax on winnings. Comeon for example charges 5% on winnings. If you win €100 – €5 will be deducted from your account
- Tax on stake – Bet 365 and other bookmakers include the tax on the stake, no matter win or lose. So if you want to place €100 bet, you need to place €105.
- Since 2021 another gross gaming revenue tax for online poker and virtual slot machine games was introcued by State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag)
- Other Germany licensed bookmakers like Tipico pay the tax themselves. However things do not change much, because they operate with lower margins on most betting markets. Tax may not ocure also when there is a accumulator bet with at least 3 events.
Restrictions of German Bookmakers
Since 2021 when the changes implemented by Glücksspielstaatsvertrag started happening except for the 5% tax many other restrictions were included
- Immediate verification within 72 hours period in order to use your account.
- €1,000 deposit monthly limit per player account
- €1 max stake on casino games
- Slower slot machines and cooling down period if you play too much.
Advantages When Using Non GGL Licensed Bookmakers and Casino Sites
A report published online in 2022 showed 15% decline in sport bets and casino turnover in Germany and the numbers indirectly show that more and more players seem unhappy because of strict regulations and choose to play Offshore where you can find these advantages.
- No deposit limits
- No casino limits
- No need of immediate verification and many sites that do not require KYC at all
- Cryptocurrencies available
- VPN-friendly
Of course there are risks involved when you choose to play in sites, that do not follow German Gambling State Commision and are regulated in other locations. That’s why you always have to research the sites you join in, as there are hundreds options available and not every site is legit. You can check our recomendations.
AZBookmakers Recomendations
COSMOBET
Cosmobet is a brand new site launched in 2023, however they are already quite popular in many countries, including Germany. The site is part of Santeda International B.V. Group
- Attractive welcome bonus
- Cryptocurrencies
- VPN-friendly
ROLLINO
Rollino does have sports without betting tax and casino games offering its services for clients from Germany. More and more gambling sites choose to use Betby platform for their sportsbook.
- Germany accepted
- Many payment options available
- Regular bonuses
BETIBET
Betibet is one of the top-rated sites n imany gambling portals online recently. They are Dama N.V brand, known for many reputable sites online and have everything you need regarding diverse betting markets, good odds, promotions, plenty casino providers and provably fair games.
- Top-rated in many betting and casino portals
- Cryptocurrencies available
- Attractive cashback promotions
VAVE
Popular crypto-only operators like Stake do no operate with German clients. However Vave is the best one of the best when we talk about cryptocurrencies gambling sites. Great interface and verification may not be requested depending the amounts you bet.
- crypto sportsbook and casino
- No KYC might be requested from players
- Great for esports
GOLDENBET
Goldenbet has been operating in Germany for several years now. They might look similar for those who have visited other sites from the network like Mystake, Rolletto and Cosmobet. Although the site share same look, you can register in every single site from this network. Nice positive is that you can receive bonus for every registration from these sites and they are quite big.
- €500 sports bonus
- Horse Racing, Provably fair games, Esports section
- Easy verification
20BET
Operated under TechOptions Group B.V. 20bet is similar to Vave, however there are much more payment methods at your disposal, unlike Vave, where you can only use cryptocurrencies. 20bet offers regular promotions and higher odds than it’s competitors.
- Good betting limits
- All kind of payment methods available
- Regular promotions