Is Sports Betting Legal in Germany?
Sports betting is legal in Germany and can be practiced by anyone over 18.
German sports fans know it: by now, you can bet on any sports event. What’s more difficult is finding the right platform to do so, as new betting sites are regularly popping up. The goal of the BetSurfer team in this review is simple.
We will introduce the best betting sites, the most popular sports to bet on, common payment methods, and the best apps. Keep reading to become a true betting expert!
The good thing about betting sites’ wide selection makes each of them strive to grow and thus offer better promotions or include interesting and unique focuses. For our research, we reviewed lots of them, and we could thus compile a list of the top 8 Germany betting sites. Here they are with their names and what sets them apart:
Bet365 is perhaps the most reliable platform in Germany at the moment. Established in 2000, it owns the new German gambling license introduced in 2021, which means it must pass tough checks yearly. In addition, the bookie offers a wide selection of sports events & an interesting VIP program.
The closeness between Betway and the universe of sports is strong. It could not be otherwise for a brand that is the official sponsor of West Ham United. With a simple but appealing homepage and plenty of pre-match and live events to bet on, it’s an excellent choice for any fan of online betting. Besides, the 24/7 customer service is at reach and includes a phone number to call in case of problems.
After sponsoring the UEFA EURO 2024, Betano is undoubtedly among the most prominent betting sites, especially in football. Founded in Greece in 2016, the bookmaker offers a great referral program and allows players to begin with as little as €5 deposit.
NEO.bet, a relatively new sports betting site, was founded in 2018. It’s regulated and licensed by the German State Treaty on Gambling. The homepage showcases the incredible array of events you can wager on and the excellent 150% bonus up to €100. There’re many payment options, including classic ones, debit cards, and others that can be found only in Germany.
Building on many years of sports betting experience (it was founded in 1999), Bet-at-home presents itself as a simple betting site that aims to make things easy for its online users. There is also a slots section for casino fans, making this website complete and competitive. And it’s trusted & reliable, too, thanks to the Malta Gaming Authority and the phone support.
22bet goes the extra mile for the players. Plus, it’s perfect for those on a very tight budget. The minimum deposit is only €1, with all kinds of payment methods being accepted, including crypto. Add 24/7 customer support via live chat, and you’ll have the perfect recipe for a betting site that is highly regarded by insiders in Germany and elsewhere.
BC.Game is a crypto-friendly online casino with a large betting section. A partnership with Leicester City has strengthened its connection with the world of sports, particularly football. Overall, it’s a modern and up-to-date platform where users can bet, play, and even trade cryptos. However, there’s a lack of classic payment systems: only credit & debit cards, some e-wallets, cryptocurrencies.
At N1Bet, football is king. You need only enter the homepage of this sports betting site, founded in 2021, to immerse yourself in the universe of football and sports in all its forms. You can bet on anything, like martial arts and curling.
🌏 Country | Germany 🇩🇪 |
---|---|
👌 Language | German |
💰 Currency | Euro (EUR) |
⚽ Popular sports | Football, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, handball, eSport, boxing, skiing, cycling |
⚖️ Is betting legal? | Yes |
🏛️ Regulator | Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) |
🧾 Gambling taxes | Not tax |
💳 Most popular payments methods | Visa/Mastercard , Pay Pal, Paysafecard , Sofort, Giropay, Online Überweis ung |
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Some bookmakers discussed so far are market giants, and have long experience in the betting markets. However, it should be pointed out that there are many new online sportsbooks to explore, and these provide particular advantages. First, they have attractive promotions to get noticed by new players. Secondly, they present innovative ideas that help improve the betting industry as a whole. Here’s a list of three examples of valid online betting sites to check out:
By now, many players prefer to bet from their smartphones. Numerous online betting sites Germany do this, and almost every online platform now has its own app. But not all are the same. In this section, we will tackle the best betting apps with the same unique mobile features found on desktop but even enhance them, offering a smooth and speedy experience.
Download the best betting apps
22Bet has a fast mobile application that works with iOS, Android, & Windows Phone. The experience with live betting is extremely smooth & responsive. German is one of the languages available, just like on the desktop version.
With features such as Cash Out and MyLive, Betano recreated a mobile-optimized and completely functional version of their virtually perfect site. Available for iOS & Android, this user-friendly app allows players to switch easily from sports betting to casino games.
Bet365 is one of the rare cases where the app version is even better than the desktop one. It’s not a coincidence that the App Store & Google Play ratings are so high. Features like Bet Builder and Cash Out are all included, making betting more fun & convenient.
Available for Android & iOS, this application is a mobile-friendly version of the desktop. That means all the features that made NEO.bet a great competitor in the market are included. Besides, the interface is as smooth and responsive as it gets.
Betting online in Germany is legal, but the regulatory framework is complex and updated often. It is crucial to stay up to date and choose only bookmakers with a secure license. Important things to know include that 5% tax is applied to all winnings on sports bets and that bettors must be subject to a monthly deposit limit of €1,000 that cannot be exceeded.
Germany’s approach to online betting has changed over the years and differs from state to state. It was only solidified in 2021 with the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), which finally regulated sports betting nationwide. Since then, only sites with licenses like Germany’s own or internationally recognized ones, like MGA, UKGC, or Gibraltar, are legal. There’re still state-level differences: for example, Schleswig-Holstein issues licenses to online casinos that are prohibited in the rest of Germany.
The GlüStV 2021 will be reviewed in 2026, and it’s unclear how things will change for bettors and operators. This makes it even more important to stay updated and to continue betting only through licensed operators. Last but not least, always remember to play responsibly.
At BetSurfer, our main goal is to be transparent and fair when evaluating betting sites. We also avoid uniformly evaluating all categories of online sportsbooks. The experts place much importance on the regional/national context, with specific considerations related to a given category of betting sites.
Here, we will first enlist the criteria that help us determine whether bookmakers are essentially safe. Then, we will move on to analyze criteria specific to German betting sites.
Without security, there can be no fun. That’s why assessing whether or not sports betting sites are secure using the following criteria is important.
We always check if betting sites have valid German licenses or at least secure licenses, such as those from Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK. In addition, it is important that they have measures such as SSL encryption to protect user data
It is essential that, in case of problems, users are followed step by step by attentive operators. In addition, the service must be given 24/7 and offered in German, possibly via live chat or telephone
Terms & conditions must be fair and clear, concerning bonuses, financial methods, betting options, etc
We always prefer sites with a quick and reliable payout with every banking method and tend to check user feedback as well for that
Financially stable bookmakers with a large user base and global reach are prioritized, especially if they offer the possibility to bet on a wide range of options
Finally, we analyze whether betting sites have convenient promotions (e.g. welcome bonuses and recurring offers) with accessible wagering terms
Here are the main points we considered when analyzing the German market.
The betting sites must include German texts and features aligned with local preferences
The most popular financial methods in Germany, such as Sofortüberweisung & Giropay, should be present. Bank transfers are essential, too, while transactions should be in Euros
The homepage must load quickly, be easy to navigate, and be responsive. Users need to find what they need without any problems
Live chat, email, & phone support in German are fundamental for a good user experience. After all, understanding the operator is crucial to solve a problem
The sign-up and deposit processes should be straightforward so players can immediately start enjoying the website without wasting precious time
In Germany, sports are a fundamental part of everyone’s life. This includes physical activity and watching matches on TV or at the stadium. Thanks to a national team capable of winning a huge amount of trophies and a competitive league, football is the favorite option for many. Still, other sports are also beginning to get the attention of German fans and betting enthusiasts.
There is nothing like football in Germany. The stadiums of Bundesliga teams are always full (including those of Bundesliga 2), and during continental tournaments. The love for the German national team is unconditional. It’s not a surprise, then, that the betting world got intertwined with this sport.
Dirk Nowitzki has made a lot of Germans fall in love with basketball and the NBA, and the Bundesliga’s Basketball League (BBL) is also quite popular.
Germany’s rich tennis history, highlighted by legends like Boris Becker and Steffi Graf, has made it quite a popular sport for betting.
Ice hockey is popular in Germany, with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) being the leading domestic competition.
Germany excels at handball, so both the domestic league and the EHF Champions League draw several fans.
ESports have reached a high popularity in Germany, also thanks to the ESL One in Cologne.
High-profile bouts involving global superstars frequently gain a lot of attention in Germany.
Rabona: Sports betting on boxing is combined with casino games.
German betting fans love winter sports like skiing, especially during important international competitions.
Cyclists like Rudi Altig and Jan Ullrich made Germans love this sport. Many still follow the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia.
When betting, the odds tell you how much you could win based on your wager amount. High odds mean higher winnings but also fewer chances to win. Thus, it’s critical to scour the web to determine which bookmakers offer the highest odds for the same sports event result. This way, you can potentially increase your winnings. Based on our research, the betting platforms that provide the highest odds are the following ones:
Start placing your bets using the recommended betting sites
Another way to maximize your chances of winning is to use the bonuses and promotions offered by betting sites. Let’s see what bonuses are most common and which sites have them.
When you register on a sports betting website, you can get some extra credit following your first deposit. Usually, the amount matches 100% of what you deposited, but before turning it into real money, you must meet some wagering requirements. Reputable sites such as Bet365, Betano, or Unibet have some of the best offers of this kind.
No deposit bonuses are rarer, but they can be truly convenient. Here, you can get a bonus without ever opening your wallet: simply register and see some cash appear magically on your account. NEO.bet offers a credit of €10 that new users can use for online betting. Another platform offering a no-deposit bonus is 888Casino.
Another type of promotion that is quite common in sports betting is free bets. Instead of receiving extra credit, you can place a few bets for free, as it happens on Betway & Tipico. This is usually part of a welcome package.
When you lose while betting, a cashback bonus can help you regain a percentage of what you lost. It incentivizes users to keep playing and minimize the risk. Find some of the best percentages at BetWinner & 22Bet.
German betting sites offer a wide range of payment systems. Some are popular worldwide, while others are more specific to Germany. Let’s see which are the main ones, divided by category.
Let’s begin with the classics. Credit cards and bank transfers are usually accepted on all online casinos and betting platforms. If you have a debit card, you should not worry either, especially if it’s VISA or MasterCard.
E-wallets are growing in popularity, and that’s not only in Germany. Their secret recipe is a mix of ease of use, high levels of privacy, and speed. PayPal might be the most loved method by a lot of gamblers, but there’s more. From Neteller, Skrill & MuchBetter to ecoPayz & MiFinity, these banking methods are ideal for depositing & withdrawing.
Those who want complete security and anonymity can opt for e-vouchers like Paysafecard, which is particularly common in Germany, and Cash2Code. These options do not need any bank account.
The methods we enlisted are famous all over the planet, but there’re also some specifically German methods on the betting platforms we are discussing. Sofort (which is part of Klarna), Giropay, and OnlineÜberweisung allow you to pay from your bank account in a much simpler and faster way.
Younger betting fans and tech-savvy players are likely to prefer sites that offer the possibility of playing with cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin & Ethereum are extremely common, but there are many more. All cryptocurrencies ensure fast and secure transactions in total anonymity.
Last but not least, mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also becoming popular among betting users in Germany, especially those who already like to play from their smartphones and do everything on the go.
When gambling online, German punters can use different methods for transactions. Here’s a brief overview of some.
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | |
✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Opening an account on the betting sites we analyzed in this review is quite easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it even simpler.
Choose among the many betting sites we have introduced and click the link to visit your preferred one
Click on the “Sign up” or “Register” button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Enter your personal details and verify your email or phone
Check the minimum amount you can deposit and set a budget for your betting activities. Choose a payment method and proceed
Scroll through the available matches and start having fun
Not every financial method is the same, especially regarding withdrawal times. Yet, making withdrawals quickly is essential for all players in Germany, as nobody wants to wait forever for their money. Luckily, e-wallets like Skrill, Paypal, or Muchbetter are all pretty fast. At Bet365 & Betano, e-wallet withdrawals are processed within 24 hours.
Betway is also able to process withdrawals quite fast (2-24 hours), but it must be said that things change drastically when you opt for more classic systems. To give an example, you might have to wait up to 7 days with a bank transfer, while credit cards stand somewhere in between, with 2 to 5 days.
When you choose to start playing on Germany betting sites, it is important to remember to do so responsibly. Gambling must be entertainment and fun, not a way to make money. Always decide on a budget to stick to from the beginning. You should also avoid chasing your losses. If you lose, try again when you feel luckier.
When you recognize there might be a gambling addiction, take immediate action and stop betting immediately. Seek help from trained psychologists: the Sozial Plattform offers counseling centers and help for relatives of family members of an addicted gambler.
Betting sites also offer a range of tools to tackle gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling. For example, there are time limits, self-exclusion options, and spending limits. All of these options are available on the mentioned betting sites.
The German betting world is always evolving, and there are more sports bookmakers in Germany every day. They offer loads of interesting options, and the betting markets for every sport, from football to skiing. We have seen that most sites also feature a variety of payment methods, from VISA to Bitcoin, Neteller to Sofort.
Each betting platform has its strengths and weaknesses, but they offer a diverse landscape within which it’s easy to choose one’s favorite bookmaker. However, you should pay attention to licenses and legal regulations. It’s better to opt for betting sites with a German or European authority, as they are completely legal in Germany and are considered safer.
Learn more about betting sites in Germany by reading specific reviews on our site
Virginia Kibathi is an experienced writer and researcher in the betting industry. She has a solid background in gaming trends and market insights. Virginia succeeds at thorough reviews and expert studies on sports betting landscapes worldwide. Her sharp eye for details of local markets and real-fact reports guarantee that readers receive accurate and reliable information that fits their needs.
Sports betting is legal in Germany and can be practiced by anyone over 18.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Germany. However, sports like basketball, tennis, handball, or ice hockey have several diehard fans and a betting crowd, too.
Online betting is legal in Germany and regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). However, only sites with a German license are considered to be 100% legal & safe.
Bet365, Betano, & NEO.bet are three betting sites with a German license, meaning it’s legal to play there.
5% tax is to be paid on any winning bet in Germany. Keep this in mind if you plan to start betting in this country.
German betting sites offer a wide range of payment methods: from traditional systems (cards and bank transfers) to e-wallets and cryptos (Trustly & Bitcoin).
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