German State Repeals Online Gambling Law

Schleswig-Holestein, the black sheep of the German family in online gambling legislation, has rejoined the fold and voted to adopt the restrictive stance of the other 15 federal states that make up the nation.

The northern state, which had gone its own way and issued 23 sports betting licenses and 13 casino and poker licenses, will now be bound to the maximum of 20 national licenses agreed by the other states in a limited liberalization of the market.

However the licenses already granted by Schleswig-Holestein, a state of just 2.8 million people, will remain valid for the next six years.

A few hours prior to Schleswig-Holestein’s decision and independently of it, the German Federal Court asked the European Court of Justice for advice on ruling whether or not its federal gambling legislation was compliant with EU law.

In December the European Commission issued a detailed opinion noting its disquiet at the Schleswig-Holestein plan to ditch its liberal licensing regime.

PokerStars, which was recently awarded a poker license by the state, supported Schleswig-Holestein’s stance saying it would offer greater protection to players.

While last year Betfair left the German market due to high taxes it was also recently awarded a poker and casino license by Schleswig-Holestein.

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