germany

PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN GERMANY

Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for German Players

Welcome to our guide for German players seeking for the best online casino experiences. We’ve taken the liberty to review a lot of casinos that support German players, looking for sites that stand out, and in this comprehensive exploration, we added a list of the top German casinos.

But our exploration doesn’t stop there. We will introduce you to the world of banking options, ensuring German players have seamless and secure transactions for their gaming pleasure. On this page, you will find a comprehensive compilation of the best German online casinos, complete with the best banking options for German players.

Even though regulations are fairly strict, the passion for gambling in Germany is still burning. Germans want to gamble; they enjoy sports betting, online slots, table games, and other gaming formats.

Selecting casinos to play at is challenging, as well as picking out the most appropriate banking solutions. CBM will give you suggestions and share arguments as to why we think these options are viable.

On this page, German online casino players will find their sanctuary. We will also add regular updates to our German market analysis so that you can stay current with fresh changes in the German gambling community.

So, join us as we unravel the mysteries of the top casinos and banking options meticulously curated to cater to the unique preferences of German players. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the exhilarating realm of online gambling, our guide promises to be your trusted companion on this top tier gaming experience.

Best Online Casinos in Germany for 2025

We’ve found that there is a high demand for the best online casinos in Germany, and we explored some of the best options available to players in Germany. After all, Germany is one of the biggest online casino markets in Europe. That’s why we’d like to step in and offer some of our own suggestions. From exciting games to secure banking options, we’ll take you on a journey through the best online casinos in Germany. So, let’s dive in and discover the best German casino sites together!

  • Live chat available 24/7
  • Home to top software providers
  • Mobile-friendly casino games
Apple Pay logo
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
Binance banking method logo
Bitcoin Logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Multiple welcome bonuses
  • VIP club
  • Hot tournaments
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
CASHlib logo
CashtoCode logo
eZeeWallet oooour

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sportsbook with live betting option
  • Accepts Cryptocurrencies
  • Thousands of casino games
Aktia Payment
Alandsbanken
Bank Transfer logo
Blik logo
CashtoCode logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Instant deposits
  • High payout limits
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
Google Pay logo
Jeton Logo
Mastercard logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Low deposit limits
  • Fast withdrawals
Aktia Payment
Alandsbanken
Bank Transfer logo
Blik logo
CashtoCode logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • PayID payments
  • Impressive live casino
  • Great selection of games
Apple Pay logo
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
Binance banking method logo
Blik logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Transactions without fees
  • Instant processing time
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
CoinsPaid |ooent method logo
Google Pay logo
iDebit logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sports-betting page
  • Daily cashback
  • 3-in-1 welcome bonus
Apple Pay logo
Bank Transfer logo
Boleto Logo
Flexepin Logo
Google Pay logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • Sportsbook page
  • Crypto payment methods
  • Games with high RTP rates
Bank Transfer logo
CashtoCode logo
Flexepin Logo
Inpay logo
Interac Logo

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply
  • 2 types of welcome bonuses
  • 15,000+ casino games
  • No-deposit bonus
Gw}vopu AstroPay casinos
Bank Transfer logo
CASHlib logo
CashtoCode logo
eZeeWallet oooour

18+ | New Customers Only |

T&C Apply

Top Casino Banking Methods in Germany

German-based players can top up their online casino accounts using a number of different banking options. But we are not interested in all of them – we simply want to get to the conclusion regarding the best payment methods available to German players. We have noticed a good trend among online casinos, seeing them adjusting their services to the needs of the markets they serve. So, at the best German casinos online you are bound to find the best payment options, as well.

84%
Sofort Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • No fees whatsoever
  • No registration required
  • Buyer protection
Sofort Review
85%
Giropay logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • A highly secure payment solution
  • Great option for Germany, Austria
  • Instant casino deposits
Giropay Review
89%
MuchBetter logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Available around the globe
  • Designed with iGaming focus
  • Fast deposits & withdrawals
MuchBetter Review
87%
Trustly logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Instant bank deposits
  • No fees
  • No registration required
Trustly Review
85%
Rapid Transfer logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Instant deposits & withdrawals
  • No registration procedure
  • Maximum security
Rapid Transfer Review
93%
Funid Payment Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • 200+ payment services included
  • Near-instant deposits and withdrawals
FunID Review
92%
Visa Logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Fast casino transactions
  • Available around the globe
  • 165 supported currencies
Visa Review
91%
Mastercard logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • A leading payment solution
  • Maximum security
  • Fast & easy casino transactions
Mastercard Review
90%
Skinsback banking method

Review & Best Casinos

  • Suitable for iGaming
  • Convenient payment methods
  • Easy integration
Skinsback Review
90%
PayMaya icon

Review & Best Casinos

  • End-to-end digital payments
  • Available worldwide
  • Buy, hold, and manage crypto
Maya Review
90%
VouWallet logo

Review & Best Casinos

  • Wallet with multiple currencies
  • Accepted worldwide
  • Mobile app for iOS, Android, and Huawei users
VouWallet Review
90%
Pep banking method

Review & Best Casinos

  • 30+ payment methods available
  • Instant mobile payments
  • Support over 160 currencies
Pep Review

Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in Germany

Regulation icon

Online gambling in any country needs to be seen through the prism of its laws and regulations. In the case of Germany, the situation is similar to the one currently unfolding in the Netherlands. Before 2021, German authorities did not license online gambling operators.

However, that changed in March 2020, when the German federal states agreed on a new German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG 2021). The new law came into force on July 1st, 2021.

New Licensing Regime in Place Since 2021

Sports betting, online poker, and online casino games became legal in Germany. New rules allow residents of Germany to play an assortment of online casino games at licensed online casinos. That being said, there are some restrictions in place:

  • Deposit limitations up to €1,000 per month
  • Online casino operators will need to respect advertisement restrictions
  • Slot machines will have bet limits of €1 per spin, and a spin will need to last a minimum of 5 seconds

The heavy restrictions for players and high taxes for operators have driven German gamblers towards offshore operators, so we cannot say the new gambling law has been a success.

German-based players have free access to the many online casinos that hold licenses from foreign authorities. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ITG), which was brought into effect in 2008, prohibits players from carrying out gambling activities online and companies from offering unauthorized games of chance but does not specifically prohibit gambling online on websites that are located outside of the country.

We also must mention that Germany is comprised of 16 individual states, and laws differ from one state to another. That is why there were 2012 ITG updates that allowed individual states to decide on their own how to regulate online gambling, with the federal government overseeing the operations.

As a result, the state of Schleswig-Holstein decided to step away from the ITG and issued 50 licenses to online casinos that same year. Later, the state joined the Interstate Treaty on Gambling once again.

In regards to other online casino games, namely classic table games and poker, every state in the country will decide on its own whether to allow their gameplay online or not.

If they do allow them, there will be stake limitations in place, just like with slots. Upon announcing the new regulations, the Regional Council of Darmstadt received 30+ applications from online casino operators who want to offer their games legally in Germany.

Certificate icon

GGL is the New Regulatory Body

The new regulatory body in Germany was established in December 2022. Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) officially took over all regulatory tasks from individual federal states in Germany in January 2023. The new regulatory body is responsible for issuing gambling licenses and tackling illegal gambling in the country.

In January 2023, GGL conditionally approved almost 50 more certificates for online slots and poker. The total number of individual game applications for online poker and slots is 3,500.

Up til now, the regulator has greenlighted some 600 requests. Also, there are 25 providers with valid gambling licenses in Germany added to the white list of regulated operators in the country.

GGL confirmed it will continue fighting illegal gambling and revoking licenses if they spot any violation of terms. The regulator also plans to establish a public prosecutor’s office in Halle to process complaints against illegal gambling operators.

Almost 150 cases of illegal gambling and nearly the same number of cases of promoting illegal gambling have been filed with the GGL.

The main goals of the GGL in 2023 include providing greater transparency for players and introducing player protection measures to prevent gambling addictions.

German Market Updates

  • May 2024: Germany’s loss reimbursements lawsuit is sent to the European court
  • April 2024: Germany to decide on reimbursing illegal gambling losses
  • July 2023: GGL draws initial conclusions and presents a seal for legal gambling.
  • January 2023: GGL greenlights almost 50 more individual gambling licenses for online slots and poker games.
  • June 2022: Online casino sites with a German license need to pay a 5.3% tax on the turnover from online slots and poker.

Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?

Taxes icon

Germany has finally taken a uniform nationwide approach to gambling laws and regulations, including betting taxes. The Racing Bets and Lotteries Act (Rennwett- und Lotteriegesetz) received significant amendments handling special taxes for online poker and slots.

Virtual slots and online poker games are subject to a uniform tax rate of 5.3%. The moment when the stake is made is when the tax is incurred.

The German parliament approved the new turnover tax, but certain issues are already surfacing. Entain, Flutter Entertainment, and Greentube hired Goldmedia to do a survey and ask 600+ online slot players about the new tax. Around 49% admitted that they would choose a foreign website instead of a locally-regulated one.

Players who wish to play at tax-free casinos have the option to visit offshore-based sites. Otherwise, they must pay stake fees and an additional tax of 5% on their winnings. Those who lose, however, don’t need to pay the additional tax as they haven’t generated any winnings.

German sports bettors (residents and foreigners betting within Germany) also need to pay a 5% tax on all bets they place. Some bookmakers have found ways to lift the weight from their users and absorb the tax themselves. Other operators only tax players’ winning bets while covering the tax on losing bets.

Can Casinos That Accept German Players Be Trusted?

Handshaking icon

Very few casinos in Germany have a local license. Those that do are forced to lower game RTPs. As a result, many German players turn to casinos with questionable legal statuses or casino sites without a local license. Online casinos accepting German players not licensed by a national regulatory body usually hold licenses from other regulators with a great reputation in the online casino industry.

A recommended German online casino will typically hold a license from the Malta Gaming Authority, as it’s one of the safest gaming licenses in the world. They might also have a license from Curaçao, UK, or Gibraltar, which are also considered strict and very thorough when it comes to supervising the license holder’s operations, especially UKGC and Gibraltar.

Fair gaming icon

Nevertheless, online gambling is only considered legal if the provider is in possession of a German license. In other words, abroad-licensed casinos are illegal in Germany. However, playing at such sites does not create any consequences for the players at this time.

German punters don’t need to concern themselves with privacy issues and their funds being secure as long as they choose casinos wisely. If the sites are regularly tested for fairness by third-party auditors, the environment is safe to join.

It is absolutely crucial that RNGs are audited regularly to ensure that the games that use this technology are, in fact, truly random. If you see that the games at your chosen casino are tested by eCOGRA or iTech Labs, for example, you need not doubt their fairness and safety.

Best Casino Bonuses for German Players

German players can benefit from all the services and perks the casino site provides, including, of course, online casino bonuses. There are no restrictions in terms of which types of bonuses are open for German players and which aren’t. The casino operators have the liberty to create bonus programs for their customers, and sometimes they offer country-specific generous bonuses. Whether the bonus is German-specific or universal, you can claim the prize if you meet the bonus requirements. CBM keeps track of active offers and exclusive bonuses at German casinos, so feel free to check them out below.

Gangsta

Welcome Package

45x (B), 40x (FS Wins)

Ongoing

€25

No

71%

Spellwin

Welcome Package

40x (B+FS Wins)

Ongoing

€15

No

71%

Bankonbet

Welcome Package

35x (D+B)

Ongoing

€20/AU$30

No

71%

Oshi

Welcome Package

45x (B+FS Wins)

Ongoing

€20

No

71%

SpinsUp

Welcome Package

40x (B+ FS Wins)

Ongoing

€20

No

71%

Art

Cashback

Deposit

Free Spins

Reload

Welcome Package

ART1

35x (D + B)

Ongoing

€20/20AUD

No

71%

Palm

Welcome Package

30x (D+B)

Ongoing

€50

No

71%

Voodoo

Welcome Package

35x (B+FS Wins)

Ongoing

€20

No

71%

Local Payment Methods to Consider

Germany banking icons

While German players have been excluded from using the services of PayPal, for example, they are left with plenty of other good possibilities, including Sofort, MuchBetter, Giropay, Apple Pay, SEPA and so on. Sofort and Giropay are particularly suitable for online casino players from Germany as these are regarded as local payment methods, and many Germans use these banking options for online transfers regardless of whether they engage in online gambling or not.

You can fully make use of the market potential by opting for one of these two methods: Sofort is a rapid online banking processor available primarily to German players but also to other German-speaking communities like Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. Giropay is an internet payment service specifically intended for German users.

While you are not obligated to use either of them, you should be aware that going for local methods or banking systems that are popular in your country is something that most seasoned casino gamers would advise. Why? Simply because you will find them at casinos that accept players from Germany, you will be able to conveniently use them for deposits and withdrawals and you are most likely familiar with how they work anyway, not to mention the grand benefit of playing in local currency. Read below what are the benefits of choosing local payment options at German casinos.

Sofort

Sofort is a seamless payment method widely embraced by German casinos, offering players a secure and efficient way to deposit funds. With this payment option, German players can instantly transfer funds from their bank accounts to their casino accounts, eliminating the wait times associated with traditional banking methods.

Sofort does not require you to create an account to deposit at the best online casinos in Germany. The reason for this is that the company does not store any funds. Instead, Sofort functions as an added party in the classic transfer process.

Its integration with numerous banks across various countries ensures widespread accessibility. That’s why the straightforward process requires minimal effort, allowing players to focus on enjoying their favorite games.

Giropay

Giropay is really easy to use, and that’s one of the main reasons why it is so popular at online casinos in Germany. With Giropay, players can enjoy the convenience of instant transactions directly from their bank accounts, eliminating the need for credit cards or third-party e-wallets. Players can easily deposit funds into their casino accounts, enabling them to start playing their favourite games immediately.

All Giropay transfers are processed immediately, in real time. This means that German casinos accepting Giropay get a confirmation for the transaction right away, and you can see a change in your balance almost instantly. Giropay is a great payment option for players who want an easy and fast way to pay at the best online casinos in Germany.

Depositing with EUR Currency

Euro symbol

As a player from Germany, you don’t need an extensive online casino currency gambler guide. Knowing that it is always better to deposit and wager in local will suffice. Not all casino operators will have a wide range of accepted local currencies. Luckily, the Euro is the currency of numerous other European countries and also one of the major tenders in the world. For that reason, many casinos of international nature rarely fail to accept EUR deposits.

Paying in Euros for online casino services does not differ from shopping online and the best thing about it is that you won’t have to pay any conversion fees. Not all online casino players are so fortunate; players will less widely available currencies need to go to the exchange process and pay additional charges for it.

Most Famous Gamblers

Gambler icon

Fedor Holz is a German professional poker player originating from Saarbrücken. High roller tournaments are his specialty, and he climbed to the top of the German all-time money list in 2020 with live tournament winnings of over $32,500,000.

Holz is known as the CrownUpGuy online, and he’s been successful playing both live and online poker. However, he has been less active in the past years, shifting his focus to a project dedicated to mindfulness, meditation and life coaching techniques called Primed Mind.

The German retired tennis player Boris Becker fairs well in poker, too. While his earnings as a poker player can’t compare to tournament prizes during his tennis career, Boom Boom Becker made a name for himself in the poker scene.

Boris Becker turned to professional poker in 2007 and has earned around $117,000 so far. As of late, Becker has been playing the role of an ambassador for German poker sites, appearing under the nickname Boris_Becker.

Also a professional poker player, Dominik Nitsche originally came from Minden. He began playing poker online at 16, under his mother’s name. As he progressed, his sites of choice became PokerStars and Full Tilt, where he won $7.045 million in total.

As of 2022, the recorded winnings of Nitsche amount to over $19,100,000. He’s won four WSOP bracelets, and his well-known nickname is Bounatirou.

Fun Facts

  • There are nearly 400 casinos and other gambling facilities in Germany, which are evenly spread throughout the regions. Berlin, the capital of Germany, has the most casinos.

  • In 1810, the oldest casino in Germany was built, known as the Casino Wiesbaden. Not only is this the oldest casino in Germany, but it is one of the oldest gambling establishments in recorded history.

  • According to Forbes magazine, the oldest casino in Germany is also one of the top 10 richest casinos in the world.

  • There were multiple floods in Germany in 2003. A 70-year-old Skaskonia-Anhalt retiree lost all his properties in one of them. Several days later, he won €759,161 playing slots at Bad Harzburg.

  • Gambling in Germany dates back to the time when the Roman Empire took over Germanic territories. As is commonly known, betting was a popular activity amongst Ancient Roman soldiers.

  • Germany has the most internet users in Europe, creating significant potential for business, including online casinos.

  • Fedor Holz and Christoph Vogelsang are the most prominent German gamblers. Both are poker players that have earned millions upon millions during their live tournaments careers, and they are still young. Holz started out in 2012 when he was just 19 years old.

FAQ

Online gambling is legal in Germany, provided that operators offer gambling under a local license. German players are placing bets at casinos online, but mostly at foreign sites because locally-licensed brands lower game RTPs. They do this to cover high tax expenses.

There are many different banking options available to German players. Some of the most popular ones are Sofort, Neteller, MuchBetter, Visa, and Mastercard, as well as Giropay, Paysafecard, Skrill, and Trustly. Of course, you are the only one who can evaluate which solution works best for you personally when playing at German casinos.

You’ll find a variety of games to play at German casino sites – classic slots, modern video slots, casino poker, live dealer games, scratch cards, roulette, blackjack, and more.

Before you sign up, you can ask yourself several questions. Does the site have a German interface? Does it offer customer support in German? Can you place online casino bets in Euros? Are any bonuses for German players offered? Positive answers to these indicate you have found a good German casino online.

Top online casinos in the German market will offer the option to play on your Apple, Android, or Windows phone/tablet, either through a dedicated app or a mobile-responsive site. So, yes.

You can gamble safely at German online casino, providing that the casino holds a valid license from a reputable authority, goes through regular software audits and offers transparent services.

Bart Crebolder

Bart Crebolder

Lead Content Manager

Having dedicated nearly a decade of his career to the iGaming industry, Bart Crebolder stands as a valuable member of the CasinoBankingMethods.com team. His journey in the industry has been marked by his pursuit of the latest trends, making him a relevant source for information about online casinos and payment methods. He is an invaluable asset to the team because of his passion for the iGaming world, contributing with his standing as a trusted authority in the online casino industry. Bart's content consists of comprehensive analyses, reflecting his deep understanding of the casino industry and he is setting standards for informed, reliable, and engaging content in online gaming.

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