Germany has begun an online casino transition period, a time when operators can offer online poker and slots without being prosecuted, although the games are very restricted. The industry has to comply with new regulations by December 15.
Online slots will be subject to a €1 (US$1.19) per spin stake cap, with multi-play functionality removed, and five second intervals between spins.
For all forms of gambling, a €1,000 monthly spending limit exists.
Some customers can apply to have this limit raised to €10,000 or €30,000 provided they undergo enhanced due diligence checks and ongoing monitoring of their activity. Advertising casino products will also be prohibited under the agreement, according to iGaming Business.
Other elements such as the player protection controls must be ready from the start of the transition period.
“Online gambling enjoys great popularity worldwide,” Tipico’s chief regulatory officer Karin Klein said. “The transitional regulation in force is an important step towards clear and reliable regulation for consumers, operators and authorities.”
The launch of the compliance period comes after an eight year process to award the country’s first sports betting licenses. The third amended State Treaty on Gambling came to an end with 15 brands licensed. The Hesse Administrative Court tossed out an injunction which ground the process to a halt, allowing the transition to continue.
GVC said it will take until early 2021 to become compliant and impose controls such as spending limits, but it is likely that Hesse will require an accelerated timetable.
