In historic first, Schleswig-Holstein announced first round of licenses for foreign operators.
Schleswig-Holstein, the northern German state that has stood out in Europe's most-populous country for its pro-gambling state, today announced that it has issued its first 12 licenses for online casino games.
Big breakthrough
Twelve operators received licenses in the first round, including 888, Betfair, Ladbrokes, bet365, mybet, Bet-at-home, PokerStars (under the name of local subsidiary REELGermany), and ElectraWords, a subsidiary of bwin.party.
The licenses allow operators to offer a wide selection of "online casino" games including online poker, according to a press release. The regulations contain clauses that protect players, and online casinos must inform players each hour on how much they have won or lost.
Where to next?
While residents of Schleswig-Holstein will no doubt be celebrating, the question many will be asking is where to next for German online gambling? The other 15 states recently passed new regulations which enable a limited number of sports betting licenses but maintain the ban on online poker.
S-H moved ahead with its own regulations, and has now delivered 27 licences - 12 today and 15 previous licences to sportsbooks. The new state government has promised to join the federal regulations, while also maintaining its commitment to license-holders.
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Ladbrokes
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
