Yes, there is. German gambling authorities have imposed a monthly deposit limit of €1,000. This applies to all betting providers and online betting sites. This regulation has been put in place to protect German bettors from overspending on gambling and forming unhealthy relationships with sports betting activities.
Germany
Sports Betting in Germany
The German online betting scene is booming, with German residents being spoiled for choice when it comes to places to make their sports betting predictions. With Germany boasting the third largest population in the world, it comes as no surprise that Germany boasts a substantial betting community that shows interest in every corner of the sports betting world. Statistics show that over 20% of German adults engage in betting activities of some sort. Here at betting.bet, we help guide German residents through the complexities of betting. We achieve this by highlighting the best sportsbooks and betting offers the country has to offer.
Legal Online Sports Betting in Germany
The legalities surrounding betting in Germany have changed several times in the last century. Following the Second World War, the German Government decided to monopolise sports betting.
A huge turning point for the German igaming industry came about in 2016 with an EU ruling that changed the German gambling scene forever. This legislation stated that the Government could not penalise anybody for using online betting sites in Germany.
This ruling saw new gambling companies enter the market, and thus, a more open and inclusive sports betting industry was formed. In 2021, the Government permitted licences for online sports betting.
Due to these complexities, the German betting industry is kind of in its infancy, especially when compared to other European countries. iGaming in Germany is currently regulated by ‘Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder’ (GGL). This is the body in charge of regulating existing betting sites and issuing licences to new operators looking to accept players from German states.
Sports to Bet on in Germany
The German betting community shows a great deal of interest in various markets. However, football and horse racing take the lion's share of the bets placed in Deutschland.
Football
Having won the World Cup several times, Germany’s affinity with football is celebrated on betting sites, with almost every bookmaker in the country offering a diverse range of football-specific markets. What's more, Germany is home to the Bundesliga, sometimes referred to as the "Fußball-Bundesliga". This is one of the most respected domestic football leagues in the world. Although Germans have shown a desire to bet on matches and tournaments taking place on German soil, German betting operators will also provide opportunities for players to bet on games and competitions taking place across the globe. From Premier League matches to international tournaments, the football betting options are immense.
Horse Racing
Germany is home to a wonderful selection of horse racing tracks, with Germany having one of the largest horse racing betting communities in Europe. The Hoppegarten is a Berlin racetrack that has become synonymous with top-level horse racing for more than 150 years. While German horse racing offers some of the highest quality racing of all countries, Germans still enjoy betting on events such as the Grand National (UK) and Churchill Downs (USA). This is reflected on German betting sites, with pretty much any horse race imaginable able to be wagered on. This deep-rooted love for horse racing betting has given way to many racing-only betting sites too.
Basketball
Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga has captured great intrigue in recent years, especially among online bettors. Due to the unpredictable nature of both matches and tournaments, betting on German basketball can be truly thrilling. From outright tournament winner odds to player specials, the options are endless!
Tennis
With Germany having given us tennis stars like Steffi Graf and Boris Becker, it comes as no surprise that tennis betting is big business across the nation. Live tennis betting has become particularly popular in recent times, with Germans enjoying the thrill of predicting the score of the next set, when there will be a breakpoint in the next game, and so on.
Other Popular Sports for Online Betting in Germany
Football, horse racing, tennis, and basketball are just a few of the sports in which German punters can place bets. Others include golf, Rugby League, Rugby Union, cycling, eSports, baseball, handball, boxing, UFC and many more. German betting brands have recently moved into “Virtual” sports betting markets, too, with e-football, e-basketball and the likes are readily available to bet on.
Top Features to Look for When Choosing Betting Sites
Searching for a new betting site? Here are some useful features and tips to know.
Regulated Status: When exploring online betting options in Germany, your first priority should be to check the legal status of the sportsbook. Licensed bookmakers can provide a safe and secure online betting experience, having protocols in place to protect your wellbeing as well as finances and data. If the betting site is licensed, its licensing information will be featured in the footer of its homepage.
Offers and Promotions: There are numerous benefits to registering with a betting site that is packed with offers and promotions. As well as saving you money on your bets, they can also give you the opportunity to explore new betting markets and options! Some of the most lucrative betting offers to look out for include free bets, bet boosts, bonus reloads, acca insurance and loyalty rewards.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Payment methods on a betting site will have a huge impact on how well-suited an operator is to your betting needs. This is why reviewing the options for depositing and withdrawing funds before registering an account is always a wise move. The most popular and best known for their secure nature include Debit Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Apple Pay, Trustly and Paysafecard. Many betting sites are also starting to offer crypto-friendly payment methods for those who value the speedy transactions and anonymity of depositing and withdrawing using crypto wallets.
Security: Security is an important factor to consider when looking into online betting platforms. Look for websites with secure, encrypted connections. To verify this, check for "https" and a padlock icon in the betting site's address bar. These secure sites safeguard your personal and financial information.
Design and Usability: Although some may argue that punters should focus on the functionalities of a betting site rather than its aesthetics, both are incredibly important. A well-designed betting site that is easy on the eye and enjoyable to use is worth its weight in gold.