Bet365, Others Ready for German Online Gambling

Bet365 is among seven online gambling operators readying to introduce their wares to the German market, after recently being operated licenses by the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.

First, to resolve outstanding issues

The seven operators awarded licenses are bet365, Betfair, bet-at-home, bwin.Party, mybet, NordwestLotto and Tipico. Before operating, they must come to a consensus about whether to pay the 20 percent gross profits tax stipulated by their Schleswig-Holstein licence or to pay the 5% tax on turnover demanded by federal law.

Fifteen of Germany's 16 states last year decided to ban all online casino and poker games, with only the renegade Schleswig-Holstein voting to allow it. This is the reason most online gambling companies have chosen to relocate there, but have still not opened local sites as they have done in Spain, Italy and other European countries.

Then to provide Germans online gambling

Bet365 continues to be among Europe's leading online gambling operators, opening up wherever it is able. For example, it is still the only iPoker operator providing its product to Danish people with the legal approval of the Danish government, and it hopes to add Germany to that list soon.

It made its name in sports betting, but its online casino and poker platforms are equally popular. A part of Playtech's iPoker network, it is well known for offering some of the best promos, events and tournaments in the business. In fact, earlier this year it expanded its VIP rewards system to the benefit of its most loyal players.