The new German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG 2021) will enter into force on July 1, 2021. This means that from that date private gaming operators can apply to operate online sportsbooks, poker rooms and video slots.
All licenses issued under the new rules will allow the holder to operate throughout Germany with the Saxony-Anhalt Gaming Authority as the main regulator for all online gaming operations. The authority has also clarified license restrictions on casino games with games such as blackjack and roulette not allowed under the new licences. Licensing of these types of online casino games may be covered by individual states at a later date but will not be included in the current intergovernmental treaty.
The ISTG 2021 replaces the previous treaty that ran from 2012 until June 30, 2021. The most important change in this new treaty is the lifting of the ban on internet gambling.
License applicants must provide a deposit of at least 5 million euros up to a maximum of 50 million euros. The deposit will be determined by the expected average monthly turnover of each individual operator.
Licensees will be allowed to offer different forms of gaming under the same domain, but each service must be clearly separated. This means that players are not allowed to play two or more different types of games at the same time.
The treaty also stipulates that a deposit limit for multiple providers must always be applied. The limit is set at €1,000 per month for each player. This means that a player can only deposit up to this amount on all operators and platforms. This will be controlled through a central border control file held and monitored by the regulator.
There are also strict restrictions on how a player can access all online gaming services and products. The agreement states that players cannot play games or access betting products at the same time.
Alongside the above requirements, ISTG 2021 also describes specific requirements for video slots. These include a minimum playing time of 5 seconds and a maximum bet of €1 per game. Operators are also warned that stakes and winnings cannot be used to build up a jackpot.
In the case of sports betting, both betting on the outcome of a game and any in-game event will be allowed with live betting allowed under specific guidelines.
