Germany releases lengthy list of online gambling licence requirements
Saxony-Anhalt details in-depth technical guidelines requiring operators to declare all deposit methods and whether payments are processed in-house or externally
Authorities in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt have released technical guidelines for prospective online poker and slots licensees looking to enter the German market when it regulates on 1 July.
Releasing two pamphlets outlining the requirements on both verticals, the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of the Interior and Sport has said operators must provide a certificate of “good conduct” for every individual appointed by the business in Germany.
Operators must have clearance from German tax authorities to operate and must certify that they, nor any of their affiliate partners, promote unlicensed gambling activity in Germany.
Prospective licensees are required to declare whether they use third-party payment processors or deploy their own in-house technology, as well as providing an explanation of all deposit types and payment methods.
Licensees will also be made to appoint dedicated IT security, anti-money laundering (AML), social concept and player-protection officers as part of their application process, while providing details of all hires to the authorities.
In respect of player protection, licensees are required to deliver details on how they plan to identify and exclude potential at-risk gamblers, as well as providing information on how to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing their websites.
A full list of all planned brands to be used in the German market is also compulsory, as well as a confirmation of whether advertising is developed in-house or via a third-party company.
A full advertising and marketing plan must also be provided with information on graphics used, as well as information on which broadcast media (TV, radio, social media) will be utilised must also be provided.
An operator must also provide details of its expected deposits in the German market for the next five years if approved for a licence.
Pamphlets on both verticals can be found here and here.
The Fourth Amended Interstate Treaty on Gambling is scheduled to pass into law on 1 July, and will see online casino and poker gaming licensed in Germany alongside sports betting for the first time.
However, German online casino and poker players are set to be limited to a maximum deposit of €1,000 per month.