Casinos Without German License

Well-known Offshore Casino Regulators

We are pretty sure you are familiar with these licensing bodies. Only that you haven’t delved much into their intricacies, but worry less. We will set everything clear for you here, reviewing each regulator.

MGA

The Malta Gambling Authority is the most recognised licensing body in the EU. Initially, it was referred to as the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority and was established in 2001. It literally governs and regulates gambling in Malta, a country in Southern Europe.

Malta is a top choice for tourists looking for a summer haven with beautiful beaches and crystal waters. It is also home to high-end casino hotels. Precisely, it is the ultimate gambling destination for most players.

Aside from that, the name MGA came to life in 2018. They decided to rebrand and perhaps change a few strategies in their approach to casino regulation. Not that they weren’t efficient, but with the rebrand, they could go modern and make their regulation customer-centred.

Now, the MGA excels in consumer protection and responsible gambling.
Their licensing criteria and processes are transparent.

They have set their policies and expectations clear at the start. Operators can always read them before even indulging themselves in the process.

These and many other sophisticated regulation strategies have elevated the reputability of the MGA across the EU. That is why many foreign casinos prefer this license. Their target market clearly understands the respectability given to MGA casinos.

Honestly, it isn’t easy to obtain an MGA license. A waiting period of 6 months is mandatory, and robust scrutiny will always lead the way.

UKGC

Besides the MGA, the UKGC is also a robust gambling regulation authority across the EU. It operates from the United Kingdom, where it oversees all gambling-related activities.

Just like the MGA, its reputation is nothing short of excellence. With strict licensing requirements, you only find a few casinos operating under a UKGC license.

So far, so good; we haven’t heard any serious complaints filed against UKGC-licensed casinos. They must be more than reputable.

Curacao

Then finally, Curacao is another well-known regulating authority across the casino world. It is the official gambling regulator in Curacao, a country located in the southern Caribbean Sea.

Part of the Dutch kingdom, Curacao is a widely known destination for casino enthusiasts. It was the first authority to legislate remote gambling in 1993. So if we were to talk of experience, Curacao would be undisputable.

However, recently they have come under heavy criticism due to their lenient regulation measures. Most of their licensed casinos have been blacklisted across different regions.

This is due to their dishonesty and unreliability, especially during payouts. Players contacting the regulator get little or no help. So, rogue operators easily get away.

Howbeit, we understand there are plans to revamp this jurisdiction and make it more lethal completely. But until then, we maintain our stance on curacao-licensed casinos.

Now our concern remains on the increasing number of casinos obtaining Curacao licenses. The license itself is easy to get.

That’s why rogue operators are slowly bypassing the requirements and finding their way into the German market. The result could be scams and swindling of innocent civilians.

But let’s wait and see; perhaps their new regulation framework set to be unveiled will be lethal enough to stand the test.

What bonuses can a player expect?

There are a variety of unique bonuses you can find in these casinos. We discuss some below.

Welcome bonus

This bonus is often offered to entice new players to make their first deposit. It may include matchup bonuses and free spins, depending on the casino you play at.

You can make good use of this incentive and triple your payouts. However, be aware of the playthrough requirements to avoid inconveniences/disappointments.

No deposit bonus

This is another kind of bonus most casinos without a German license offer. They are basically bonuses, not obliged to deposits.

You don’t have to deposit a certain amount to receive them. They are often activated automatically by the system. And just like any other bonus, they have a wagering requirement.

You are to beat it to fully enjoy the tasty no-deposit bonus.

Bonus spins

You love spinning, right? You will find this kind of bonus in most offshore casinos for slots. They can either be included in a welcome bonus package, as aforementioned or given as a standalone deal.

Precisely, it will depend on the casino you find yourself in. Together with other in-game incentives like bonus rounds, you can consequently double your final payouts.

Cashback bonus

A cashback bonus comes into effect once you lose your bets. Yes, once you lose all your wagers and you are left helpless. It is a lifesaver for most players, as they can wager fearlessly without doubts of possibly draining their balances.

Perhaps we can call it a form of damage control once things go south. So, you can always have something to keep your morale high. A cashback bonus is a percentage of your overall losses.

Reload Bonuses

Most casinos not licensed by German authorities offer regular promotions to players. The promos could be given on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. If they need a deposit to unlock, that’s a reload bonus.

Official iGaming Regulator in Germany

The official iGaming Regulator in Germany is the Saxony-Anhalt State Administration. It was formed after the 2021 ISTG(Interstate Treaty on Gambling or Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), and is the central governing body for all online gambling-related activities across German states. However, the federal states also have their say in the jurisdictions. As such, some could have their laws regarding certain forms of gambling in action. Also, EU gambling regulations come into play.

Basically, the ISTG was established in 2012 to regulate the then-booming online gambling industry. Howbeit, it failed to include all federal states in its jurisdiction, something that created a limbo-like situation.

This kind of situation paved the way for international operators to run the show. As you would expect, they diverted the market to their best interest.

Most casinos targeting German players sprouted and grew beyond expectations. And that is still the case today, even with the enactment of the ISTG 2021 with all the federal states.

The legalisation has created more freedom for local players to wager confidently in German Licensed casinos. The only concern they have is the restrictions set by the regulator. For instance, they cannot play certain games or exceed certain playing limits.

Players cannot go beyond a $1000 deposit monthly. This and many other restrictions are forcing players to retreat to the black markets.

That’s why many gamblers find casinos without a German license reliable and flexible. And who could argue with customers’ preferences?

Even better, the EU declaration barring Germany from penalising players who play at offshore casinos has fueled their popularity.

German License Application Requirements

The scrutiny involved when obtaining a German license has scared off most offshore casino operators. Most have resolved to use their international licenses, i.e., MGA and Curacao, and it is working out perfectly. The EU made things clear by ruling out in their favour on a petition that sought to penalise their operation.

Now, here are the requirements for German casino licensing. But before that, understand that the license is only viable for 5 years. After that, you will be entitled to an uncompromisable mandatory renewal. Otherwise, to obtain the license, you will need to meet the following requirements;

Demonstrate valuable consideration. You must provide viable documents showing the reliability and safety of your gambling establishment. Consequently, provide documents to support your profitability and distribution concept. Several parameters should help you meet the value consideration threshold.

Secondly, show them how you will determine winnings. In other words, how will your casino calculate winnings for players? Which criteria or concept will you use? You have to demonstrate this clearly to the board for transparency.

Then finally, demonstrate to the regulator how your casino gives players a chance to win. Perhaps your house edge is low, or even your games utilise Random Number Generator technology for fairness. Whichever the case, you should clearly show how the casino gives players chances to win.

Foreign Casinos vs German-Licensed Casinos

If you’re stuck between offshore casinos or your local counterparts, let’s make it easy for you. Here is how they compare.

Most foreign casinos have an excellent selection of games. They boast diverse portfolios covering different diversities and preferences. You can expect to find even the newest and most popular game versions on their portfolio from top-tier providers.

This is almost impossible in most German licensed casinos. They have restrictions on certain games or are exempted from hosting games from certain providers.

Secondly, many foreign casinos have no limits as it is in German Licensed gambling sites. Even better, players are not limited in how to play. As such, they will play based on their preferences. They can even play progressive jackpots.

German licensed casinos have a variety of restrictions, including the maximum wager amount of €1 per spin. Any deviations without permission from the governing authority could lead to penalization.

What’s more, you will have to adhere to their minimum of 5 seconds duration per spin rule. This could limit you to some extent.

Here are other restrictions you should be aware of;

• You cannot play any jackpots slots
• You cannot play online video poker
• You cannot play more than 4 tables at once

Bonuses in foreign casinos are the order of the day. Starting with mouth-watering welcome deals, no deposit bonuses, and regular promotions, you are tossed to the maximum here. Bonuses tied to specific games keep the anxiety high and make the whole experience splendid.

On the other hand, bonuses could be a nightmare for most German licensed casinos. Even though some could have bonuses, in most cases, they won’t match those found in offshore counterparts.

There could be a disparity in taxes charged on winnings. You are subject to a 5.3% tax on your winnings in German gambling establishments. These are taxes charged on poker, lotteries, and virtual slot machines.

Conversely, winnings from casinos without a German license are not entitled to this. You are presumed to be on your own. That’s why the government takes zero responsibility for protecting you.