The authorities of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt have released a technical guide for potential online poker and slot machine licensees wishing to enter the German market when it becomes regulated on July 1st.
After issuing two brochures outlining the requirements for both verticals, the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of the Interior and Sports stated that operators must provide a certificate of “good behavior” to every person appointed by a business in Germany.
Operators must have permission from the German tax authorities to operate and must confirm that neither they nor their affiliated partners are promoting unlicensed gambling activities in Germany.
Potential licensees are required to declare whether they use third-party payment systems or use their own internal technologies, and provide an explanation of all types of deposits and payment methods.
Licensees will also be required to appoint dedicated IT security, anti-money laundering (AML), social awareness and player protection officers as part of the application process, while providing the authorities with details of all hires.
In terms of player protection, licensees must provide details on how they plan to identify and exclude potential players at risk, and provide information on how to prevent self-excluded individuals from accessing their websites.
A complete list of all planned brands for use on the German market is also mandatory, as well as confirmation as to whether the advertisement is developed in-house or through a third-party company.
A complete advertising and marketing plan should also be provided with information about the graphics used, and information should also be provided on which broadcast media (television, radio, social media) will be used.
The operator must also provide details of its expected deposits in the German market over the next five years, if approved for a license.
Booklets for both verticals can be found here and here.
The fourth amended interstate gambling treaty is due to enter into force on July 1, and for the first time online casinos and poker games and sports betting will be licensed in Germany.
However, German online casinos and poker players have a maximum deposit limit of € 1,000 per month.