German Poker Sites
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Online Poker Law in Germany
Here are some key points regarding the law on online poker in Germany:
- Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag): Germany operates under a federal system, and online gambling, including online poker, is regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling. The treaty imposes restrictions on online gambling activities but also allows for the licensing of certain forms of online gambling.
- Licensing: Under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, online poker operators can apply for a license to offer their services legally in Germany. However, as of my knowledge cutoff, the licensing process for online poker operators was in transition due to a new State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag) scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2021.
- State Treaty on Gambling 2021: The new State Treaty on Gambling aims to liberalize and regulate the online gambling market in Germany. It introduces a licensing system for online poker and other forms of online gambling. The treaty allows for a limited number of licenses to be issued, with certain conditions and player protection measures.
- Player Protection: The German gambling regulations emphasize player protection measures, such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and mandatory age verification processes. Licensed operators are expected to comply with these requirements to ensure responsible gambling practices.
- Taxation: Licensed operators are subject to taxation on their gross gaming revenue. The specific tax rates and requirements may vary depending on the state issuing the license.
It’s important to note that each German state has the authority to pass its own gambling laws and regulations within the framework of the Interstate Treaty. This can result in some variations or additional requirements depending on the state.
Famous German Poker Players
Germany is renowned for having some of the world’s elite poker players.
- Fedor Holz
- Pius Heinz
- Dominik Nitsche
- Hossein Ensan
- Philipp Gruissem
- Tobias Reinkemeier
- Ole Schemion
- Manig Loeser
- Rainer Kempe
- Christoph Vogelsang
Top Poker Rooms in Germany
Germany is home to several reputable land-based poker rooms catering to casual players and professionals. Here are some of the well-known poker rooms in Germany:
- Spielbank Berlin (Berlin): Spielbank Berlin is one of the largest and most prestigious casinos in Germany. It features a dedicated poker floor with regular cash games and tournaments. The casino is renowned for hosting major poker events like the German Poker Days and the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE).
- Kings Casino (Rozvadov): While not technically in Germany, Kings Casino is a popular destination for German poker players due to its proximity to the German border. Located in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, Kings Casino boasts a vast poker room that offers a wide range of cash games and tournaments, including the popular “German Poker Masters” series.
- Spielbank Hohensyburg (Dortmund): Situated in Dortmund, Spielbank Hohensyburg is one of Germany’s oldest and largest casinos. It features a dedicated poker area with regular tournaments and cash games. The poker room overlooks the casino floor, providing an exciting atmosphere for players.
- Spielbank Hamburg (Hamburg): Spielbank Hamburg is a prominent casino in Hamburg and offers a dedicated poker room. It provides a variety of cash games and tournaments for players of different skill levels.
- Spielbank Baden-Baden (Baden-Baden): Spielbank Baden-Baden is a historic and luxurious casino located in the spa town of Baden-Baden. While poker is not the main focus, the casino does offer regular poker tournaments and cash games in an elegant setting.
These are just a few examples of notable land-based poker rooms in Germany. It’s always a good idea to check the specific casinos’ websites for detailed information on their poker offerings, tournament schedules, and any specific requirements or restrictions.