The Crazy Buzzer label, a fresh enterprise under the Gauselmann Group’s ownership, has been granted permission to run online slot machines in Germany. This elevates them to the seventh entity on Germany’s authorized list, allowing them to operate nationwide.
This marks another triumph for the Gauselmann Group, which already possesses the Merkur brand and Mernov, a collaborative venture with Novomatic. With these licenses, the Gauselmann Group now controls six out of the ten brands permitted to operate within Germany.
The German online casino market officially came into existence on July 1, 2021, with the implementation of the Gambling State Treaty (GlüNeuRStv). This legislation established the first legal structure for online slot machines and poker ventures to operate on a national scale.
The treaty also brought forth a new national regulatory authority, the Glücksspielbehörde (GGL). Prior to this, gambling was overseen by the Saxon-Anhalt State Administration Office.
The newly formed regulatory agency commenced operations on July 1, 2022, a year after the agreement was ratified. However, at present, its focus is solely on suppressing illicit gambling activities, not on overseeing the entire sector.
Despite stringent rules, the number of authorized operators is restricted. Since the inception of the regulated marketplace, only seven slot machine operators and no online poker enterprises have received licenses.
These regulations encompass a 5.3% share tax, a €1,000 monthly cross-operator deposit cap, and a €1 wager limit. Among these, the share tax has been met with criticism, with the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) contending at the time that the tax would “endanger” the success of Germany’s novel gambling regulation.
The association also highlighted that the rigorous regulatory framework would favor unauthorized operators, who would exploit the constraints faced by legitimate providers.
“The authorities must now expeditiously issue licenses and sternly crack down on those who persist in operating without authorization,” stated Matthias Dams, president of the DSWV.
“Legal providers cannot be permitted to become victims. The market harm inflicted by certain unlicensed firms continuing to operate unhindered undermines the nation’s political objectives, and this must be halted at any cost. We urge the national regulators to be more proactive.”
During the month of June, a mere four operators were granted licenses. The Saxony-Anhalt State Chancellery declared its intention to authorize an additional nine online slot and poker licenses.
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