First federal state to allow online table games from private providers

With the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) of 2021, a lot has changed in the gambling market in Germany: Although online casinos have finally become truly legal throughout Germany, players have to put up with a lot in return. One thing that upsets many: No classic casino games such as roulette or blackjack are available online from private developers, although the GlüStV allows them in principle. This has now come to an end, at least in Schleswig-Holstein. After an approval phase lasting several years, the relevant games were approved for four providers in mid-September 2024.

With the authorisation of online table games by private providers, Schleswig-Holstein (SH) has once again confirmed its position as a pioneer in German gambling law. While the GlüStV of 2021 has created the basis for nationwide slot machine offerings (slots), classic casino games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat have so far remained dependent on the regulations of individual federal states. In practice, this fragmentation of the market creates great uncertainty and ultimately severely restricts German customers' access to popular table games that have long been standard in international online casinos. The legal situation is made particularly complex by the fact that the GlüStV not only grants the federal states individual decision-making powers in terms of control, but also in the awarding of licences for casino games.

The four providers now authorised are BluBet, Cashpoint, Skill On Net and Tipico. This was announced by the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of the Interior in a press release. It is particularly worth mentioning that Schleswig-Holstein issued its own licences for online casinos back in 2012, under the state gambling treaty that was still in force at the time, and thus took a significantly different and more player- and market-friendly approach than the rest of Germany. They also acted faster than others when it came to casino games. Unfortunately, however, the ‘new’ games are only accessible to citizens of the federal state or people who live there - just as it used to be with the casinos licensed in SH. The successful completion of the licensing procedure nevertheless marks a decisive step towards a further liberalised gambling landscape in Germany and could send a signal to other federal states that have so far been reluctant to act.

BluBet, Cashpoint, Skill On Net and Tipico are authorised to offer casino games in SH, but must comply with strict conditions

The authorisation of BluBet, Cashpoint, Skill On Net and Tipico to operate casino table games in Schleswig-Holstein is subject to strict regulations that go far beyond the simple granting of a licence.

The licences are valid for 15 years, which obliges providers to meet the high requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling throughout this entire period. A key aspect of the granting of licences was to ensure that operators are able to implement the strict requirements of player protection, addiction prevention and security. Future licence holders had to submit comprehensive concepts that included technical measures to protect against gambling addiction, mechanisms for customers to block themselves and comprehensive money laundering prevention measures. The focus is on vulnerable groups of players and children or young people.

The strict requirements probably contributed to the fact that only providers with a lot of experience in the international gambling market received the coveted licences.

In which online casinos will table games be available in SH?

Although the official announcement from the Ministry of the Interior of Schleswig-Holstein names the companies that will be authorised to provide casino games from now on, it remains unclear on which platforms this will take place. There is generally no more detailed information available to date. However, the company names can certainly be identified more precisely.

1. DrückGlück (Skill on Net): Skill On Net Limited can be clearly linked to the DrückGlück platform. This brand has already established itself in Germany and was one of the first to receive a licence from SH for online casinos. With the licence now granted for table games, DrückGlück will also be able to offer classic games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat under strict regulation.
2. Novoline (BluBet): Similarly, the Novoline platform, which runs under the management of BluBet Operations Limited, is likely to come up with an expanded portfolio of table games in the near future. Novoline, or rather its parent company Novomatic, is best known for its popular slots such as Book of Ra. With the addition of casino games, the previously limited portfolio can be effectively diversified. The already strong brand presence will benefit further.
3. Tipico Games (Tipico): Tipico, represented by Tipico Karlsruhe Limited, is another major gambling operator in Germany that has primarily made a name for itself through sports betting to date. With the authorisation to also provide online table games, the brand will give its Tipico Games platform a powerful extension.
4. Merkur Slots (Cashpoint): Cashpoint (Malta) Limited, which has also received one of the licences, is expected to use its permit for the Merkur Slots platform. Merkur, one of the best-known brands in the land-based slot machine sector, has already successfully positioned itself in the online slot machine sector with Merkur Slots. The introduction of table games will make the portfolio more attractive to players looking for a classic casino experience.

And which game developers will be involved?

Unfortunately, this is also not stated in the official statement. The now licensed gaming companies have not released any information on this either. However, it can be assumed that the major brands in the portfolios of DrückGlück, Tipico and Co. that have table games in their programme will be included. These would be the following, for example.

1. Games Global (formerly Microgaming): Games Global is likely to play a key role. As one of the oldest and largest providers of casino games worldwide, Microgaming has already developed a large number of digital tables that are available on numerous international platforms. The brand stands for high-quality content and reliable technical standards that can meet the requirements of the German State Treaty on Gambling in terms of fairness and player protection. Thanks to its enormous reach and reputation, Games Global could become a central pillar of the table games offering in Schleswig-Holstein.
2. Play'n GO: Play'n GO is a Swedish developer that has made a name for itself primarily with innovative slot games, but also offers a growing portfolio of classic casino games. It is extremely successful in numerous regulated markets, including the UK and Sweden, with its variants of roulette, blackjack etc. It has been able to prove many times over that its games meet the strictest requirements.
3. Greentube: Greentube, which is often seen as Novomatic's innovator, is also likely to make a significant contribution. Greentube is closely linked to the German market, particularly via the Novoline platform, and offers a solid number of classic tables. As they have a lot of experience with the German-speaking market, their security standards are probably a perfect match for the requirements in SH.
4. Edict: Finally, Edict, a subsidiary of the Gauselmann Group, could also be a major player. Edict is particularly well known for its Merkur slots on the German market and offers a complete range of digital table games. Similar to Greentube, it should be able to fulfil the strict requirements of the State Treaty on Gambling.

Conclusion

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