As many in the U.S. struggle to keep their Internet gambling legal, gambling supporters in another country have lost that battle. As of the new year, German gaming enthusiasts could no longer legally gamble online.
Why Outlaw Online Gaming in Germany?
The ostensible reason for the move is that the German government was afraid that online casino wagering would pull money away from state sponsored lotteries and online betting options, siphoning needed funds from the states. The German states have ratified the agreement, causing it to come into law on January 1, 2008.
What is the Scope of the German Online Gaming Ban?
The ban on private online gambling sites is total. All Internet gambling online is against German law, and Germany can compel any financial institution not to enter transactions with any website that has online betting. Advertisers in Germany can alert people to the existence of Internet gambling, but cannot invite potential customers to participate.
What Does this Mean for German Online Gambling?
For now, it means that online gambling is at an end for Germans. The European Union still has the option to challenge the ruling as being a violation of European Union law and in fact, they are now taking steps to do just that. At the present time though, those interested in gambling in Germany will have to find other outlets for their gaming needs. If they wish to gamble online, they will have to leave the country and play from one of the countries that does not prohibit Internet casino gambling.
More info on gambling laws:
U.S.gambling laws
European gambling laws
Swedish gambling laws
Finnish gambling laws
