In a move towards complete federal regulation of gaming in Germany, SkillOnNet and Bet-at-home are the most recent operators to receive licenses for online slots.
Netbet
In Germany, SkillOnNet is permitted to deliver online slot games for all of its brands because to the license it received.
The online slot games licence and sports betting licence were both extended to Bet-at-home at the same time.
DrueckGluek.de, SkillOnNet's German-facing brand, has been active in Germany since 2015, when the company obtained a licence to operate in Schleswig-Holstein under the previous regulatory structure. Going forward, the company plans to concentrate on using this brand.
"Having the official German licence means SkillOnNet players will be part of a fully regulated experience, feeling more confident, safe and secure, many for the first time," said Michael Golembo, director of sales and marketing for SkillOnNet.
"It's a confirmation that we are up to the challenge of meeting the stringent requirements of the German licensing regime and that we are willing to collaborate with authorities to achieve this goal; furthermore, it highlights our commitment to making responsible gaming our first priority."
The French Betclic Everest SAS Group, of which Bet-at-home is a part, has described the licence as a significant milestone in the company's long-term strategy.
According to Bet-at-home chairman Marco Falchetto, "the group, their investors and business partners in Germany will now create complete legal and planning security for themselves" after acquiring permissions for all product categories supplied.
Both companies are now able to offer online slots, joining other recent licensees from Germany like Tipico, Rootz, Solar Operations, and Crazy Buzzer.
Novel German watchdog
Licenses have just been approved following significant improvements in gambling regulation in Germany.
Operators were able to apply for online slot licences countrywide once the country released the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStv) in July 2021. Prior to this, only wagers placed outside of Schleswig-Holstein could be accepted for sports.
Along with the treaty, a statute was passed that imposed a 5.3% tax on online slot and poker stakes and capped online slot stakes at €1.
This charge has caused quite a stir, particularly among the operators' group known as das Deutsche Sportwettenverband (DSWV).
Plans to alter the chain of command for gambling regulation were also laid out by the nation in the same treaty. In the past, individual German states had some say over who could provide gaming licenses.
With its establishment in July 2022, the Glücksspielbehörde (GGL) became responsibility for the nationwide enforcement of unlawful gaming legislation. It has now taken over the role of licensing as of January 1st.
