The German Schleswig-Holstein State became the first of the 16 States of the country to legalize and regulate online gambling. This is great news when you think that the other States of the Germany could follow the example of Schleswig-Holstein.
The new regulation will allow groups of games approved to offer sports betting, the stock exchange paris online, poker (which concerns us here) and products (except blackjack, roulette and baccarat) online casino.
According to current legislation, it is the Government which has the monopoly of online games and a ban on them exists.
On the other hand, good news since these rules expire at the end of 2011, date on which the new Act enters into force. Subsequently, the operators will be able to apply for legal licences.
Less good news for operators since they will be taxed at 20% on their gross product, which will no doubt influence the rake. Usually, it is the player who pays for this kind of tax (indirectly by the rake) and not the operator.
Estimated today to 2.2 million the number of Germans who engage in gambling online games, which makes it a very interesting market.
For Betfair, this Treaty on the Schleswig-Holstein online gaming is welcome and will aim to create a truly open, transparent and responsible online gaming market.
For his part, BwinParty (for whom the German market will be a priority) said via a spokesman: "today's vote is an important step towards a market more open and regulated in Germany. We call on other federal regions to follow this model of regulation, which was approved by the European Union. "
Throughout the year, several meetings on this issue will be held and the 16 regions of the Germany hope to come to an agreement. Their goal is to become a competitive market. On the other hand, as we mentioned above, the rate of 20% could be the Achilles heel of this regulation. Several points are not yet clear. For example, what is an operator who gets his licence in a region will have the right to offer its services in another region that has not accepted the agreement? It is also the reason why it would be much easier if the 16 regions agreed to this folder.
It is also questioning raised by analyst Daniel Stewart & Company Corporation: "it is no doubt good news for online operators. However, it is not clear at this stage if the operators earning a license in the State of Schleswig-Holstein will be permitted to take bets from people living in other States."
It is worth noting that this agreement was supported very strongly by PokerStars.
Discuss this news on PokerCollectif forums: of poker legal and regulated in Germany for 2012?
