If you’re in Germany, there’s a long list of sportsbooks you can join. Nevertheless, not all are worth your time and money, and it’s only ideal to go for the best. That’s where we come in. Our experts at BetZillion have done the research and analysis, so you can rest easy. All you have to do is select a bookmaker you find convenient from our top list and sign up.
Full List of Germany Betting Sites
There are many betting companies in Germany, including bookmakers, which hold a local gambling license and are German legal sportsbooks and international bookies that don’t have a permit but are still allowed to operate in the country.
4.1
|
3+1 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
50% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.0
|
-
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
100% up to $500
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.6
|
|
|
Bet now | |
4.1
|
|
|
Bet now | |
4.4
|
100% up to u₿50000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.0
|
100% up to $600
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now |
Even though there’s a bit of a gray area of what sportsbooks local bettors are allowed to use and which they can’t, the reality is that the German bettors have plenty of choices when selecting which betting site to sign up with. The trick is to recognize the best betting sites in Germany that don’t offer the quality service punters are after.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to recognize the best online betting sites in Germany, but first, it’s wise to know which bookmakers accept German bettors and operate in the country.
How to Bet Online in Germany
Opening an account with German bookies is very straightforward, and doesn’t take longer than a few minutes. It would help if you had all the required documents and a stable internet connection, and you could place your first bet on German bookies within a couple of minutes.
Steps | Instructions |
---|---|
👤 Step 1: Set up an Account | Before you can start betting, you need to sign up for an account with one of Germany bookmakers, so the first step is to decide which of the many available German betting sites you want to register with. Once you’ve chosen, visit the bookmaker’s website – or use the mobile app – and navigate to the “sign up” or “register” button. During registration, you’ll be asked to provide a username, password, email, full name, address, date of birth, and ID picture. Once you’ve completed the registration, you’ll receive a verification link to your email, which you use to finalize setting up the account. |
💳 Step 2: Make a Deposit | With an account set up, you can now visit any of the free betting sites in Germany you’ve registered with, log in, and make your first deposit. Typically, most betting sites and betting apps in Germany have a separate “deposit” button, while with some, you’ll have to first click on “account” and then “deposit”. When making a deposit, you’ll be asked to pick your preferred payment method and input the desired amount of money you want to deposit. This step is very simple, and after you’ve completed it, it takes no longer than one minute to see the money in your betting account. Note that bank transfers can take longer. Before you deposit, remember the betting bonuses in Germany’s bookmakers. Deposit bonuses shouldn’t be ignored, as they’re offered only to new customers, so if you miss it and make your first deposit, you won’t be eligible for it later. It could harm especially those who have opened a new account for matched betting purposes. |
✅ Step 3: Place Your Bets | Once you have money in your betting account, all you can do is place your first bet. To do so, navigate the German bookie’s markets, find the sport or league you want to bet on, pick the bet type, input the desired wager and place a bet. From finding a bookmaker to placing a bet in Germany, it takes no longer than a few minutes as long as you’ve done everything correctly. And from there, everything there’s left to do is withdraw. |
💸 Step 4: Make a withdrawal | Making a withdrawal with any German bookies is extremely simple, and you’ll follow very similar steps you took to make a deposit. Navigate to the cashier’s tab, click on withdrawal, pick the preferred method, and input the desired amount, and you’re done. It’s worth noting 2 things. The time it takes for bookmakers in Germany to process your withdrawal will vary depending on your chosen withdrawal method. E-wallet withdrawals are the fastest, while bank transfers can take a few days. Another thing to know is that you won’t be able to withdraw money before you complete the KYC verification, so it’s advisable to do it as soon as you register to save you the hassle. Withdrawing from German bookies can also be done via many betting apps in Germany. |
How We Test and Review Sports Betting Germany Sites
When we rank German sports betting sites, before we recommend them to our readers, we test them thoroughly and keep close attention to a few crucial factors which all of the best betting sites in Germany have to have.
- The most important thing we look for is whether the German betting sites we review are safe, legit, and legal. Although the legal part is a bit of a grey area in the current legal landscape in Germany, we ensure that the sportsbooks are all safe to use and have a solid reputation.
- Adding to the security, we put a lot of weight on licensing, but not necessarily on whether the Germany bookmakers we review hold a local betting license. According to German law, only bookmakers with local betting licenses are legal; however, that doesn’t take away from the safety and security sportsbooks with MGA or UKGC licenses can provide.
- Good betting bonuses and promotions are a big plus but not as important as the odds quality and betting markets. A good bookmaker has to have competitive odds, enough market coverage, and solid promotions and bonuses.
- The site’s functionality is another big factor determining a bookmaker’s value since it’s tough to rate a sportsbook high if it has a platform that doesn’t function properly.
- Lastly, it’s wise to check the customer support, whether it’s good, and if the sportsbook has enough methods to contact the agents. Those include email, live chat, ticket system, and phone contact.
Popular Bonuses & Promotions
All betting sites in Germany have betting bonuses and promotions; the trick is to find German bookies with the best odds. Although the better offer of betting bonuses in Germany comes with worse odds, there are plenty of sportsbooks with solid promotions and bonuses and competitive odds.
4.1
|
3+1 in Free Bets
|
Claim Bonus | Place 3 consecutive bets and get the 4th bet as a free bet! Full T&Cs apply |
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
|
Claim Bonus | Rakeback is a withdrawable bonus that is accrued for each bet and depends on your current Rank. Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. |
4.2
|
|
Claim Bonus | |
4.2
|
50% up to $1000
|
Claim Bonus | Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit at Jazz Sports. Use Promo Code JAZZ50 and your extra 50% will be added to your sports betting balance. Full T&Cs apply |
4.0
|
-
|
Claim Bonus | - |
4.2
|
100% up to $500
|
Claim Bonus | Join today and make a deposit to receive an incredible 200% Welcome Bonus. Play responsibly. Full T&Cs apply. |
Germany’s most common betting bonuses include welcome bonuses, free bets, and various promotions, often available during important sporting events. And not only are the types of offers different, but they also behave differently.
Welcome bonuses – most commonly a deposit match bonus – comes with a rollover requirement; free bets usually have just a 1x rollover requirement, whereas the promotions can come in many shapes and sizes.
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is the most common betting bonus found by all bookmakers in Germany. You don’t have to use the best online betting sites in Germany to have it available, granted better bookies tend to have better welcome offers.
The welcome offer can come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common is the welcome matched deposit bonus. With it, the German bookies match your first deposit with the website and give you free wagering cash up to a certain amount. For example, if a German sportsbook has a 100% matched deposit welcome bonus and you make a €100 deposit, you’ll receive an additional €100 on top of your deposit. But note that the free wagering cash will come with a rollover requirement, so you can’t withdraw it instantly.
Free Bets in Germany
If you regularly bet online, you must’ve heard of the free bets bonus, which is also very common on free betting sites in Germany. A free bet bonus can be offered as a part of the welcome bonus or a promotion, but more commonly, free bets are handed out to existing users.
There is no telling when the sportsbook will give you a free bet and sites like bet365 give them out randomly. The size of the free bet bonus is tied directly to your betting activity and the average size of wagers you make – so if you regularly bet with €5, you’re bound to receive a €5 free bet bonus.
Betting Promotions
Most German betting sites offer betting promotions, but not all approach them similarly. Some German bookies will have more proposals, others more generous offers, and some won’t have any promotions.
The betting promotions are the most diverse as they can include many bonuses, from free bets, reload bonuses, insurance bets, enhanced odds, cashback, and anything in between. Although they’re most commonly offered during big sporting events, some websites that offer online betting in Germany have ongoing promotions – such as CashBack Friday – which you can find under the promotions tab.
Germany Sports Betting Market Overview
⚖️ Is betting legal: | Yes |
📅 Sports Betting Legal Since: | 2021 |
🏢 Regulatory Body: | Depends on the state |
🧾 Taxation: | 5% |
⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: | Football, Basketball, Handball |
🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: | Casinos, lotteries, bingo, poker |
⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: | FreshBet, PlayZilla, Ivibet |
🔞 Legal gambling age: | 18 |
Bet of the Day for Germany
Due to the gambling laws, online betting in Germany is in a weird spot, but everything is great from a bettor’s perspective. Local punters have access to some of the world’s best bookmakers and can use various bet types to bet on any sport or competition they like.
That largely has to do with the fact that Germany is home to some of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world. That includes the world’s biggest sports tournaments and all of Germany’s local sporting events. So whether you want to bet on football, volleyball, horse racing, table tennis, or anything in between, you can rest assured that the betting sites in Germany will have markets for it.
Bet on Sports
Anyone looking to bet on sports won’t be disappointed by the offer of German bookies. There are hundreds of German sports betting sites, and you don’t have to look far to find German sports betting apps either.
That’s hardly surprising, considering how prevalent sports betting is in Germany, especially football, basketball, and handball as three of the country’s most popular sports.
Football Betting
Football is the most popular sport in Germany; understandably, it makes up most of the German betting handle. All betting sites offer football betting in Germany, and do so extremely well, offering markets on the world’s biggest football leagues, including the local Bundesliga.
Besides being able to bet on major football leagues, punters have access to minor ones, especially when using the best bookmakers in Germany.
Basketball Betting
Basketball is extremely popular in Germany and one of the most bet-on sports by German bookies. That is made possible thanks to the betting sites in Germany, which have extensive coverage of basketball leagues – from the NBA to the local Basketball Bundesliga, for which German bookmakers often have special promotions.
For anyone wanting to bet on basketball in Germany, betting sites will have coverage of betting markets that will satisfy everyone’s needs.
Handball Betting
Handball is another highly popular sport in Germany, mainly due to the success of the local teams and national teams’ success. Although still less popular than football, most German punters wager on handball, and all German bookmakers have a betting offer to enable it.
As with other sports betting, German betting sites tend to offer special promotions for the local handball league, Handball-Bundesliga, which explains why it’s the most popular handball competition among German bettors. Yet there’s no shortage of betting markets on international tournaments.
Motorsports Betting
Motorsports are extremely popular in Germany, especially MotoGP and Formula 1, among the population and sports bettors. Formula 1 is the more popular of the two, but even if you intend to bet on MotoGP, finding German bookmakers with betting markets is not challenging.
All betting sites in Germany have a solid offer of motorsports betting markets. So, it is as simple as opening accounts with the best betting sites in Germany if you want to bet on F1, MotoGP, NASCAR, Rally, or anything in between.
Bet on Competitions
Germany is home to some of the world’s biggest sports competitions, and naturally, local punters can find tips and bet on them. The most popular sports competitions in Germany, comprising most of the country’s betting volume, include Bundesliga, Handball-Bundesliga, and the Basketball Bundesliga.
Although local competitions are highly popular, bettors also bet on other world-renowned sports leagues, including international tournaments like the World Cup, NHL, NBA, and MLB. You can also engage in MMA betting in Germany if you’re into it.
Esports Betting
Esports betting in Germany is very popular and easily accessible since all EUR bookmakers offer markets. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and Dota 2 are 3 of the most popular Esports among German bettors; however, even if you intend to bet on Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, or any other Esports title, you won’t struggle to find Germany bookies that will have markets for it.
German Politics Betting
Political betting in Germany isn`t as popular as sports betting, but relatively still more popular than in other countries. Due to the dynamic political landscape in Germany, it’s fairly easy to find betting markets on the next German chancellor, the German election, or any other market on various German betting sites. You may also discover our expert`s political betting tips and strategies.
New Betting Sites in Germany
Despite trying to enforce local betting licenses, the German betting world is very open, allowing new bookmakers to enter the market easily. It explains why there seems to be a new bookmaker opening its doors in Germany almost monthly, giving the local punters even more options to choose from when deciding where they’ll bet in Germany.
4.1
|
3+1 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
Rakeboost bonus
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.4
|
100% up to u₿50000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
First Deposit Bonus 125% up to $1000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.3
|
-
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.1
|
100% up to €30000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
100% up to €500
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.4
|
100% up to $200 in Free bets
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.5
|
200% up to 20000 USDT
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now | |
4.2
|
100% up to ₿1
T&Cs Apply
|
|
Bet now |
The biggest advantage is that there are more websites where anyone can enjoy online betting in Germany and the generous bonuses and promotions these new websites offer. Typically, all sportsbooks entering a new market offer great bonuses and promotions to attract new bettors, and German punters can take advantage of it.
But with so many bookmakers, it’s fair to start questioning whether it’s better to trust established sportsbooks or use new betting sites.
Established vs New Betting Sites in Germany
The global online betting industry is massive, and it continues to grow with new sportsbooks launched monthly, which quickly expand into big betting markets such as that of Germany. So even though the German online betting legislation is a bit uncertain, the local punters have plenty of new sportsbooks to visit and use, which is highly advantageous.
But with so many options, it’s fair to question whether it’s better to use local bookmakers in Germany or new betting sites. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to that, and it all comes down to what you’re after.
The biggest advantage of local German bookmakers is that they’re more reliable, have an established name, and are typically very safe. That doesn’t mean new bookmakers in Germany aren’t safe, but it’s easier to trust a local sportsbook with a solid reputation.
Regarding the betting offer and bonus promotions, new bookmakers in Germany typically fare better. That is because most don’t have an established name in the new market and want to attract new bettors with better odds and more generous offers.
So whether you want to use known local German betting sites like Tipico Bet or an international sportsbook like iBet depends entirely on what you value more. However, the biggest problem with international sportsbooks – lack of reputation – doesn’t apply to some of the world’s biggest bookmakers (or any major betting exchange) such as SkyBet, Bet-at-Home, or Bet365, since those are known sportsbooks with a very good reputation in the global betting industry.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Germany
Before placing your first bet in Germany, you must register for an account with at least one sportsbook. It is fairly simple; however, you shouldn’t sign up with just any bookmaker.
You must find the best betting site, which has all the features you want, is safe and can ensure a pleasant betting experience.
Here are a few things to look for for the best betting sites in Germany.
- Whether you want to start with football, handball, ice hockey, or UFC betting in Germany, you need to make sure that you register with only safe and legit betting sites. Safety should be your top priority, so prioritize legal bookmakers with valid betting licenses.
- Besides ensuring that a bookmaker is safe and legal, it has to have competitive betting odds and enough betting markets. The best online betting sites in Germany will have great odds and enough betting markets, which is what you want as a punter.
- The availability of free bets, promotions, and bonuses in Germany is also important. And even though it’s not as important as the odds quality, bonuses offer much value and are not to be ignored.
- Other functions like live betting markets, live streaming, and the availability of a betting app add bonus points. Even if you don’t plan to bet on live matches or from your phone, having the options available is advantageous.
- Lastly, you should check the customer support department – whether the German bookmakers have good customer support and more than just an email contact. Although you’ll likely rarely need to contact customer support, it’s good to have capable support agents available if any issues arise.
Odds Levels and Returns at Germany Bookies
The betting odds German bettors will encounter will vary depending on which betting sites in Germany they use. And while everyone is after the best betting sites in Germany with the best odds, there is no such thing.
As convenient as it may be, there is no single best German sportsbook. No single bookmaker will always have the best odds. So the only way to bet with the best available odds is to look around all German bookmakers and find which has the best offer on the match you intend to bet on.
For example, SkyBet might have the best odds on Dortmund to defeat Bayern Munich, but Bet365 might have a better offer on the weekend’s NBA match between LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets. Next week, things could be reversed.
The betting markets are volatile, and the bookmaker’s offer will constantly change – especially on matches with higher volatility. So the best approach for getting the best odds is to look at several bookmaker’s betting markets and find which sportsbook has the best offer for the match you want to bet on – also known as price shopping.
In the end, if you want to bet with the best odds, you must have accounts with several of Germany’s best online betting sites.
Deposit Methods at German Sportsbooks
Most betting sites in Germany do an excellent job with their banking department, giving local punters plenty of options to deposit money into their wagering accounts.
Germany’s best online betting sites went even so far as to accept payments through ApplePay and PayPal and more traditional options in e-wallets, bank transfers, and credit/debit card deposits.
Withdrawal Methods at German Sportsbooks
Even though the available options will vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, it’s fair to say that German sports betting sites generally have a very extensive selection of withdrawal methods their customers can use.
PayPal Betting in Germany
PayPal is a very popular payment method among sports bettors, especially those who use legal betting sites in Germany. However, as convenient as PayPal can be, not all German bookies support it, making it far less accessible than E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, bank transfers, and credit/debit card deposits.
Crypto Payments
Cryptocurrency payments have become popular in recent years, mainly because this is typically the fastest and most anonymous payment method available. That explains why so many platforms for online betting in Germany started accepting crypto as a valid payment method. Yet, it’s still not as accepted as e-wallets or traditional payment methods.
It’s easy to find crypto betting sites in Germany that will accept crypto deposits, but bigger brands like bet365 won’t, making cryptocurrency payments less appealing as Skrill, Neteller, Cash2Code, or MuchBetter.
Mobile Betting Sites & Betting Apps in Germany
Mobile wagering is nowadays available on all German sports betting sites since all bookmakers have a mobile version of their platform. However, those who prefer to bet primarily from their phones mainly will instead want to sign up with German bookies, which offer a mobile betting app.
100% up to u₿50000
T&Cs Apply
|
|
100% up to $600
T&Cs Apply
|
|
4.8
Up to $30 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
|
Admittedly, not all sportsbooks have a mobile app available, but you don’t have to look far to find sportsbooks that do. Some of the best sportsbooks have German sports betting apps, so as long as you pick a solid bookie, you get a full package.
And even those who don’t plan to place most of their bets from phones should consider registering with German bookies that offer a betting app since having one is very convenient. It allows you to place wagers on the go reliably, and some bookies also offer exclusive betting bonuses for app users. Hence, there are plenty of advantages to having a mobile app.
German Live Betting & Streaming
When deciding which sportsbook to register with, it’s important to remember to check whether it has a solid live betting offer. With that, we mostly refer to the sportsbook having a concrete offer of live betting markets and a live streaming option.
Even if you don’t sign up for an account for live online betting in Germany, having the option to place live bets is very advantageous. In-play betting can be highly profitable for experienced bettors, and once you get to that level, you’ll easily find excellent betting opportunities by following live markets.
Yet the only way to be efficient at live betting is to have a live stream available directly from the sportsbook – which is more convenient and cheaper than watching games from any website that sells live streaming services.
And beyond all that, if a sportsbook has solid live betting markets and live streaming, it’s a reliable indication that it’s a good bookmaker.
User Experience and Functionality
Everyone should register with a German sportsbook they like to use, which is why the user experience and functionality are important. You want to prioritize the best online betting sites in Germany that offer a stable website with all the features to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Customer Support Mechanisms
Customer support is often overlooked when people rank bookmakers since you’ll rarely need it when you bet online. But once you encounter a problem, you’ll want solid customer support, reliable agents, and enough ways to get in touch – such as email, phone number, live chat, and a ticket system.
The Reputation of the Bookmakers
When picking a bookmaker, you have to consider registering only with those that are legal and have a valid betting license. But a betting license doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the bookmaker is good.
That’s why it’s wise to check the sportsbooks’ reputation by either checking online forums or reliable review sites that tell you whether the bookmaker is good and not just safe to use.
Platform Security and Player Safety
As already alluded to, no matter which of the hundreds of German bookies you sign up with, you must prioritize safe and licensed ones. Simply by having a valid license, the bookmaker can ensure that your personal information and money will be safe. That goes a long way in engaging in an activity that aims to make money.
Markets and Bet Types
The best betting sites in Germany all have plenty of betting markets and enough bet types for their customers to use. Even if a bookmaker has good odds, that won’t help you if you want to bet on Swedish second-division football, yet the German sportsbook doesn’t offer markets.
So before you sign up with any sportsbook, check its market coverage and whether it has enough bet types available to bet on whatever and however you like.
Popular Bet Types in Germany
Most German bookies do an excellent job with their market coverage, especially big brands like Bet365 and SkyBet. And likewise, they all offer plenty of bet types for punters to use, which includes anything from the most generic wager types to a wide range of prop bets.
Spread Bet
Spread betting (or handicap gambling) is betting on a point spread or how much a team will win. Bookmakers will set the line (spread) based on the team’s perceived strength and handicap one team, giving the underdogs an advantage.
For example, if Dortmund is expected to defeat Bayern Munich, a bookmaker could set the line at 1.5 goals, allowing you to decide whether Dortmund will win by two or more or Bayern Munich will win, draw or not lose by more than a goal.
Moneyline
Moneyline is the simplest bet you can place on any sport, as with it, you’re simply predicting which team will win the next match. It doesn’t matter how much they win or how they do it; the only thing that matters is the final result.
Due to their simplicity, moneyline bets are also the most popular wager types in the world. Although moneyline works similarly to 1×2 bets, they’re not alike. Moneyline has only 2 outcomes – Team A wins or Team B wins. Conversely, 1×2 bets have a different result, a draw.
Totals
Totals betting (or over/under) is another popular bet type used to predict whether a certain statistic in a game will exceed the predetermined amount. Most commonly, totals indicate the number of goals or points in any sports match.
For example, in a match between Liverpool and Chelsea, a bookmaker will set the totals line at 2.5, and then you get to predict whether the game will end with more or less than 2.5 goals.
Props
Props or proposition bets are special kinds of wagers that aren’t directly related to the game’s final outcome. As a form of side wagers, props focus on specific events such as “will X player get a red card,” “will there be a penalty,” “will there be an injury,” and so on.
There’s an endless variety of prop bets a bookmaker can offer, and typically, you’ll find the most proposition betting opportunities on big matches or games played during important events.
Parlays
Parlays are not exactly a bet type, but they still fall into their category. A parlay is a single wager which combines many predictions into one. For example, you can bet on Liverpool to defeat Chelsea, LA Lakers to defeat Denver Nuggets by at least 10 points, and Sweden to beat Canada in ice hockey and combine the three picks into one parlay.
The main idea behind parlay bets is to combine multiple selections and multiply the odds, but to hit a parlay; you have to accurately predict all choices, making them a high-risk, high-reward type of bet.
International Betting Sites in Germany
As it stands now, Germany doesn’t have any strict laws to prevent international bookmakers from entering the German betting market. Even though the only legal betting sites in Germany hold a local betting license, anyone can use any available sportsbooks without problems.
Most of the betting in Germany is done via international sportsbooks, which tend to have better odds, better bonus offers, and more generous promotions. And while there is a drawback to using offshore sportsbooks – mainly the lack of reputation – many known and reputable international bookmakers operate in Germany, like SkyBet and Bet-at-Home.
The Legal Situation of Sports Betting in Germany
The situation around online sports betting in Germany is quite interesting. Even though gambling and online betting in Germany are legal, only a handful of sportsbooks hold a valid betting license, so most of the betting in the country falls into the gray area.
Still, while local bettors can use only a few locally licensed betting sites in Germany, you can easily register with any sportsbook and bet without concerns, as long as you’re at least 18 years old – or at least 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
Gambling Legislation and Laws
Germany’s main law regarding sports betting and online betting is the State Treaty on Gaming, which was accepted in 2021. It states that all bookmakers in Germany need a local betting license to provide service to German punters. Even reputable betting licenses such as the MGA and the UKGC are not acceptable by German law, which adds an extra strain on bookmakers in Germany to acquire a local license if they want to operate legally.
German Online Gambling Tax Laws
Germany has quite a unique approach to taxing online and land-based betting unlike most other countries, which tax punters on their winnings, Germany takes taxes from the stake.
So if you place a €100 bet, you’ve put a €95 bet since the country takes a 5% tax from your original stake, regardless if you win or lose your wager.
Responsible Gambling Organisations in Germany
Below we provide some companies and organizations that operate in Germany and can help you in case you are struggling against gambling problems.
- Anonyme Spieler
- European Gaming and Betting Association
- GambleAware
- Gambling & Dependency Institute
- Gambling Therapy
Interesting Facts About Betting in Germany
- Unlike most other countries, Germany’s betting tax (5%) is charged on the stake rather than winnings.
- It’s legal to bet online in Germany if you’re 18 years old across all states except in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland, where you must be 21 years old.
- According to The State Treaty on Gaming, all betting sites in Germany must have a local betting license – UKGC and MGA licenses don’t suffice.
History and Future of German Gambling
Gambling and betting in Germany date back centuries and play a big role in the country’s history. Two of the world’s oldest casinos are in Germany, including Casino Wiesbaden, the oldest casino in the world, built-in 1810.
The betting climate in Germany saw a huge shift during and after WW2, with casinos, which were previously closed, now permitted to operate under strict regulations – which were eventually removed in 1995. Shortly after, Germany realized that betting and gambling were a huge and lucrative industry and initially intended to monopolize it until the European Union stepped in.
Due to the free trade agreement, Germany was forced to allow both private and individuals to open gambling establishments, and from there, we could say that the rest is history.
Online betting in Germany is particularly interesting, as it was initially in complete control of Germany until the EU stepped in, in 2006. Since then, the country has not accepted any clear laws regarding online sports betting in Germany, which allows many sportsbooks to take advantage of the situation and offer their services to local bettors.
It’s tough to say what Germany plans to do with its online betting landscape. The current situation favors bettors, who have access to many sports betting sites in Germany. Even with the new law which requires international sportsbooks to acquire a local license, local bettors won’t be in a worse spot.
On the contrary, this could invite new sportsbooks to open their doors in the country, helping the German online betting scene grow even further.
Germany Betting Overview
Before we end our article, explore BetZillion’s pathway to know more interesting facts about sports in Germany and the online betting scene in the country, which any sports bettor should know about.
- Berlin is Germany’s capital and the most populous city, followed by Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main.
- The official currency of Germany is the Euro, the most widely used currency for bettors to deposit into their betting accounts, ahead of crypto as an alternative option.
- German punters use the most popular online payment methods like PayPal, Trustly, Klarna, and Zimpler for sports betting.
- The most popular online bookmakers in Germany are Bet365, N1Bet, William Hill, Spinanga, and 20Bet.
- The most popular sports in Germany are football, basketball, handball, and Esports.
- Germany is home to some of Europe’s biggest and most popular leagues and competitions, including the Bundesliga, Handball-Bundesliga, Basketball Bundesliga, and the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC).
- Some of Germany’s most popular and successful sports teams are Bayern Munich, Alba Berlin, THW Kiel, and SK Gaming.
- Germany has produced some of the world’s best sports athletes, including Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver Kahn, Michael Schumacher, Alexander Zverev, and Henning Fritz.
- Germany has participated in most of the Olympic Games since 1986 and has hosted three.
- Germany has won the most Olympic medals out of all countries of the world in Canoeing (77), Equestrian (56), Luge (43), and Bobsleigh (32).
- Germany has attended the Olympics under five different designations – Germany, Saar, United Team of Germany, East Germany, and West Germany.
- Germany has a 5% tax on all betting stakes rather than on the winnings.
Bottom Line
It concludes our article, where we taught you everything you need to know before you start wagering in Germany. Now you’re ready to find the best betting sites in Germany, sign up for an account, and start betting. But remember to take it with moderation and never wager with more than you can afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can you bet online in Germany?Yes, you can bet online in Germany on one of many online betting sites or via a betting exchange. Even though not many bookmakers are licensed, the online betting scene in Germany operates in the grey area, which makes it not illegal and easily accessible.
-
Is online betting legal in Germany?Online betting in Germany is legal; however, only a handful of bookmakers hold an actual license. Nevertheless, the government has deemed online betting legal if you’re at least 18 or 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
-
Is football betting legal in Germany?Yes. Like all other forms of sports betting, football betting is legal in Germany as long as you’re at least 18 years old or at least 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
-
How do I know that new betting sites in Germany are reliable?The best way to know whether a sportsbook is reliable is to check whether it has a good online reputation and is licensed. In Germany, only a few bookmakers hold a local license, but as long as you trust reliable sportsbooks, you don’t have to worry about getting scammed.
-
How can I deposit funds to my betting account in Germany?You can use many different deposit methods to fund your betting account on German betting sites; however, most people prefer crypto, PayPal, and e-wallets such as Trustly, Zimpler, and Klarna.
-
How to bet and win in Germany?To bet and win in Germany, you must first sign up for an account with a solid bookmaker. Then it would help if you learned the basics, such as reading odds and having good research skills, to find substantial betting opportunities.
-
Which is the best betting site in Germany?Germany has no best betting site; however, most local punters prefer to bet on known international sportsbooks such as Bet365, William Hill, N1Bet, and 22Bet.
-
How to bet internationally from Germany?From Germany, you can access any sportsbooks that otherwise operate internationally. And since there are no local German betting sites, all the online betting activity is done via international sportsbooks, including Bet365, N1Bet, and William Hill.
-
Still have questions?
Ask our experts