Best Online Casinos in Germany: Top Casino Sites 2023

Are you looking to test your luck in online casinos legally and safely? If so, you've come to the right place! I will show you precisely what sets the best online casinos apart, the state of legality in Germany, and how you can discover the top casino sites. So keep reading and don't miss out on these exciting insights!

Platz	Online casino	Bonus	To the website
1.	bwin Slots	100% up to €300 + 50 free spins	Play legally here!
2.	LordLucky	400% up to €100	Play legally here!
3.	Lapalingo	200% up to €50	Play legally here!
4.	Lion Play	100% up to €100	Play legally here!
5.	Wildz	100% up to €500	Play legally here!
6.	Mercury game	100% up to €50	Play legally here!
7.	Wunderino	400% up to €50 + 30 free spins	Play legally here!
8.	LeoVegas	100% up to €100	Play legally here!
9.	Lock Magic	100% up to €100 or 50 free spins	Play legally here!
10.	Jokerstar	250% up to €100	Play legally here!

The most important criteria for testing the best casino sites.

To be considered for inclusion in my rankings, the top online casinos need to meet several criteria that I deem exemplary. I only recommend casino sites that are legal and secure, ensuring a safe gaming experience for players. At the same time, a wide selection of casino games and enticing bonus offers are also vital factors. In the following sections, I will provide a detailed explanation of what I particularly focus on in my casino tests and what the winning candidate must possess to earn my recommendation.

License and security

Before I begin my casino evaluation, it is absolutely essential that the establishment holds a valid license. Under no circumstances will I endorse any real money casinos without the proper licensing. However, I take this requirement even further. The top casino sites on my recommendation list not only possess an EU license, but they also hold genuine German casino licenses in accordance with the new State Treaty on Gambling.

Because a German license provides even more security for players from Germany than a regular EU license. Here, players are registered and have an automatic monthly limit. You cannot bet more than one euro per game round. I will explain all the provisions of the new gambling law to you further below. For now, it should be mentioned that the German license ensures the highest level of security for German players. However, German online casinos also have some restrictions, as we will hear shortly.

Game selection

You won't find casino games from an EU-licensed online casino in German online casinos. The vast selection of games here is limited to various slot machines in online gaming halls. Quality casino sites with EU licenses also offer table games and live casino games. German online casinos, on the other hand, focus solely on online slots and are often referred to as online game arcades.

Indeed, top-rated online casinos catering to German players have a lot to offer and can easily compete with an EU-licensed provider. After all, the best slot machine casinos offer thousands of different slots from hundreds of software providers. Therefore, the game selection should include video slots with a wide variety of themes, ensuring that there is something for every taste. Here are some of the slot themes available:

• Fairy tale
• Ritter
• Crime
• Superheroes
• wizard
• TV series
• and many more …

Moreover, premium online casinos should also offer a wide variety of casino games with different winning features. This includes not only the obligatory free spins but also bonus games, multipliers, special wild symbols, and much more. Digital casino games also provide infinite possibilities for the game field. From classic three-reel retro slots to Infinireels slots with an infinite number of reels, game providers' imagination knows no bounds. The top casino sites excel in this aspect by offering an excellent blend of everything.

Bonus offers

When it comes to bonuses, German online casinos offer everything you're familiar with. It all starts with the welcome bonus, as is customary. This is the bonus for new players, where the first deposit is usually doubled by a 100% bonus up to a certain amount. So, if you receive a 100% bonus up to €200, you will never get more than €200 as a bonus. If you deposit €300, for example, you will be credited with €500 in your gaming account. That's €300 deposit plus €200 bonus.

Ideally, the welcome bonus will also include free spins. Typically, these free spins are unlocked for a specific slot machine, such as Play'n GO's Book of Dead. This type of bonus for new players can be found in practically all online casinos in Germany. It is quite common to come across this enticing offer when exploring the diverse online gambling landscape. With its generous rewards and exciting gameplay options, the welcome bonus with free spins adds an extra layer of thrill and potential winnings for players venturing into the world of online casinos.

However, it is essential for top-rated virtual gambling establishments to consistently provide attractive promotional offers. In this regard, reputable online casino platforms ensure that players are rewarded with a reload bonus or, in German, an "Einzahlungsbonus," for every deposit made. Nevertheless, these types of bonuses are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the range of enticing offers that leading online casino sites must present in order to earn the title of being my top choice in casino evaluations.

A reliable loyalty program allows players to accumulate loyalty points, commonly referred to as comp points or CP in casino terminology. These points can be exchanged for bonus funds to enhance the gaming experience. Top-notch casino platforms provide VIP clubs, often referred to as loyalty programs, that offer multiple tiers or levels. Depending on the number of loyalty points earned, players can reach a specific tier.

To reach a new level, you will receive a bonus without making a deposit. Frequently, these can be free spins, but there is also bonus cash, extra loyalty points, and even tangible prizes like sports cars or trips. During the casino review, I always examine the bonus conditions associated with these rewards. However, there are additional bonus offers that can elevate an online casino further up my ranking list.

Included in the package is a regular cashback feature, which allows players to receive a percentage of their losses back after a streak of bad luck. Additionally, slot tournaments with a prize pool are fantastic. This allows players to compete against each other, and the top performers receive a share of the prize pool. Typically, this includes free spins and bonus money. However, there are also occasional opportunities to win tangible prizes. This applies to casino giveaways and lucky wheels as well, where free spins, bonus money, and prizes like iPhones, trips, and laptops are up for grabs.

Payout rates

Reputable online casinos offer a wide selection of slot machines with generous payout rates. Interestingly, dubious online casinos tend to lack slots with high payout rates. As part of my evaluation process, I always examine this aspect and base my rating accordingly. I never recommend online casinos that are solely focused on scamming players. That's something no one needs. We are all mature enough to know that winning isn't guaranteed in gambling. However, we should at least have a fair chance. That's why I thoroughly assess the payout percentages of the top slots.

The statistical measurement commonly referred to as RTP or Return to Player is typically used to indicate the average percentage of a player's initial wager that is expected to be returned to them over the long term. For instance, in the case of the Mega Joker slot game developed by NetEnt, which boasts a 99% RTP, players can anticipate reclaiming 99% of their bets over an extended period of play. This means that if an individual were to engage in this slot game with a starting budget of €100, they should still have approximately €99 remaining in their gaming account after hours of continuous gameplay. It is important to note, however, that these figures solely represent statistical averages and the true exhilaration of online casino gaming lies in the fluctuating nature of payout percentages.

However, games in the casino that have a high payout percentage offer you more opportunities for a slight fluctuation in the positive range. What I mean by that is the winning zone. This is the area where you should stop and cash out your winnings. Now, of course, the immediate question arises as to which slot machines you can play in this regard.

The exciting fact is that virtually all leading providers offer slot machines with a high payout rate in their repertoire. It is astonishing that not all players exclusively choose to play these machines. This simply stems from the fact that they are often not the most thrilling casino games. Sounds logical, and that's the case as well.

Less exciting slot machines are often made attractive with a high payout ratio. If a slot machine offers many thrilling features like free spins and bonus games or high winnings (such as Cash Truck by Quickspin or Mental by Nolimit City), there is usually no high payout ratio. It's as simple as that. To make this quite vivid, you will find in the table below a few simple slot machines with a high return to player.

Slot	developer	RTP
Bugga Bugga	Playtech	99,07%
Mega Joker	NetEnt	99%
Book of 99	Relax Gaming	99%

Payment methods

If you wish to play with real money in online casinos, you need to be able to deposit it into your online casino account. The top casino sites, therefore, offer a wide range of options for depositing. From e-wallets to prepaid cards, everything must be included. German players can conveniently deposit their beloved cash into online casinos using prepaid cards like paysafecard. On the other hand, for tech-savvy players, e-wallets make it easier to keep an eye on their monthly budget.

However, decent limits and no fees for deposits and withdrawals are also essential aspects of good payment methods. Reputable online casinos never impose charges on financial transactions. If any fees exist, they are borne by the payment providers themselves. Furthermore, trustworthy online casinos allow deposits and withdrawals starting from as little as €10 or even less.

However, the maximum amounts are also crucial for a favorable evaluation of online casinos. When making a deposit, it is clear that due to current legislation, deposits are only allowed up to a maximum of €1,000. However, withdrawals should ideally have no maximum limit at all. I find it intriguing that there are still online casinos in the market that allow deposits of up to €100,000, but only process withdrawals up to €4,000. So, who plays there? It's interesting to note that if someone deposits €100,000 and simply wants to get their money back after a gaming session, they would have to wait for over two years for it to be paid out in monthly installments of €4,000.

It is no longer possible in German online casinos. Such restrictions are often no longer in place because it is considered unprofessional. In some slot machines, I can also win up to 500,000 € with a maximum bet of 1 € according to the new law. Although it is highly unlikely, if it were to happen, I would like to have my money paid out immediately and not in installments.

However, let's turn our attention back to the payment methods. In Germany, there are several payment providers that online casino players already favor for their online shopping needs. These are the ones that reputable casino sites must also offer. The following payment methods take precedence:

• Credit cards from Mastercard and Visa.
• Make instant transfers with Giropay or Klarna.
• E-Wallet options include ecoPayz, Skrill, or Neteller.
• Prepaid cards from paysafecard, CashtoCode, or Neosurf.

The quality of the website and software providers.

All the candidates on my top list for the best casino sites also stand out due to the impeccable quality of their websites. And by that, I don't just mean a 256-bit encryption with certification and a responsive design that automatically adjusts to any screen size and can be operated through a touchscreen. That's already a given in today's world. I don't recommend any other sites whatsoever.

When I conduct tests to assess quality, I consider user-friendly terms and conditions, privacy policies, and, above all, bonus requirements. Reliable casino websites should also provide ample information on their help pages. I anticipate a comprehensive table of payment methods, including limits and fees. The frequently asked questions (FAQ) section should address common queries and feature a search function as well.

Users should be able to set additional voluntary limits on their gaming account. The game balance should also display the bonus balance. There, I should be able to see how much of the bonus conditions I have already fulfilled. Additionally, a clear page for all bonus offers should be included.

However, it is crucial to have the most renowned and top-notch software providers included as well. If there is a lack of well-known names like NetEnt, Microgaming, or Play'n GO, it raises suspicions for me. A reputable online casino never exclusively offers casino games from obscure providers like Itakeallyourmoney Gaming, which hardly anyone has ever heard of because they essentially don't exist. You should always be able to find some of the following names in the best online casinos:

• NetEnt
• Play’n GO
• Pragmatic Play
• Microgaming
• Yggdrasil
• Playtech
• Spinomenal

Mobile availability

Nowadays, practically every gambling provider has a mobile casino site. Casino applications, on the other hand, are less common. This is due, in part, to the restrictions imposed on real money casino apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, there are also many players who no longer wish to install any apps at all.

These applications, in fact, occupy storage space, and one must regularly remember to update them. Furthermore, certain individuals do not wish for others to see which online casinos they are playing at, or even that they engage in gambling at all. Consequently, this leads to many online casinos no longer developing any apps. However, if there are any, I will examine them in my tests.

Every provider must have a mobile casino site, which is a necessity. It is important for this site to have neatly customized menus. All the functions that are available on the desktop are usually accessible on mobile as well. The games from all the latest software providers run seamlessly on mobile devices and can also be controlled using touchscreen gestures.

Conducting comprehensive tests on the mobile site's compatibility is my main focus. I ensure that it functions seamlessly across numerous mobile browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, on both iOS devices from Apple and Android devices from Google. In addition, I perform random checks on various casino games. If any online casinos exhibit weaknesses in this area, I cannot recommend them to users.

When it comes to gaming on the go, it's crucial to ensure that your battery is adequately charged. After all, smartphones and tablets tend to drain their power just when you're nowhere near a plug. Before you dive into playing for real money, take a moment to test the stability of your mobile internet connection, whether it's through Wi-Fi or your cellular network. The easiest way to do this is by trying out a slot machine in demo mode and observing if the game occasionally freezes. If everything runs smoothly, you're good to go and nothing will hinder your mobile gaming experience at the top-notch casinos.

Customer service

Customer service nowadays needs to be available 24/7 at least through the live chat. You can find the live chat in the speech bubble icon on the side. Ideally, the support team members also respond in German through the live chat. Moreover, good live chat programs allow you to have an email transcript of the conversation sent to you upon request.

In addition to the live chat, it would be beneficial to have an email address that allows for sending screenshots or documents for verification purposes. Ideally, a contact form should also be available in case one is unable to send emails due to not using their own device. To provide excellent support, comprehensive help pages and all the information I mentioned earlier regarding the quality of a casino site should be included. If all of this is present in an online casino, it will have a positive impact on my evaluation.

Legal situation of casino sites in Germany.

Since the 1st of July 2021, the new State Treaty on Gambling has been in effect. As a result, the old licenses from Schleswig-Holstein, which were on shaky legal grounds, have been replaced by a unified nationwide law. Therefore, online casinos in Germany now have a new license for 2022 that is the same in all federal states. But what provisions were introduced by the State Treaty on Gambling?

Gambling State Treaty

The gambling state treaty itself is not something new. It already existed before and it also regulates gambling in casinos in Germany. In the previous versions, online casinos were actually prohibited. That's why the old licenses from Schleswig-Holstein were so peculiar. Because they actually contradicted federal law, just like the gambling state treaty contradicts EU law today.

Nevertheless, the newly revised online gambling treaty has, at last, brought about a fresh regulation of internet gambling. It is apparent that domestic gambling operators had a significant influence in shaping these regulations. In fact, numerous restrictions have been introduced, which seem to prioritize the protection of players from gambling addiction less than safeguarding domestic casinos from online competitors. For more information, refer to my guide on legal gambling and the gambling treaty.

Online casinos with a German license

Nowadays, online casinos with a German license, in accordance with the new State Treaty on Gambling, are commonly referred to as online gaming halls. This change in terminology is due to the fact that the new legal regulation now only allows for online slots. Table games, both with and without live dealers, as well as all other games like bingo, keno, scratch cards, virtual sports games, and video poker games, have been prohibited.

However, numerous new restrictions were imposed on online slot machines as well. Now, there is a maximum bet limit of one euro per game round. Each spin must last at least five seconds. Therefore, the reels must continue spinning until the next round can start. Additionally, the appealing progressive jackpots have been eliminated.

In addition, the players' registration in a centralized database is introduced, where the monthly deposit limit of up to €1,000 is also monitored. Moreover, the centralized registration ensures that players do not register in more than one online casino, as mandated by the new law. This central monitoring database has already sparked intense complaints from the Data Protection Commission due to its dubious encroachments on privacy.

Furthermore, the implementation of a 5.3% tax on all wagers has been introduced, in my opinion, the most sensible measure from the new legislation. This ensures that all taxpayers in Germany benefit from it. This tax obligation applies to both domestic and foreign providers. This brings me to the next point immediately.

Online casinos with EU licenses

Even online casinos holding an EU license are still considered lawful. This is precisely where the current legal dilemma lies. The German federal government would prefer to prohibit them and has even announced plans for network filters. However, it is not as straightforward as it may seem. According to EU law, legal operators are allowed to provide their services as service providers in other EU countries as well.

In line with this regulation, the online casinos with an EU license also fall into this category. Discussions are taking place within the EU government regarding this matter, where the final word has yet to be spoken. As of the year 2022, the German government seems to refrain from prosecuting players from Germany for engaging in illegal gambling, although it is legally possible according to the penal code. Instead, they are pressuring one online casino after another, which holds an EU license, to reimburse the losses incurred by German players, as this is enforceable within the EU.

Now you must be eager to understand the implications for German players in the year 2022. Rest assured, you can continue playing at an online casino with a valid EU license without any worries. In the unfortunate event of losing a substantial amount, you have the opportunity to reclaim it effortlessly through the legal system in Germany. It is worth noting that all players who have successfully gone through this process have indeed received their funds back from the casino operators, as they themselves aspire to acquire a German license in the future.

Casino, gaming establishment, or arcade?

Throughout my previous discussions, I have consistently utilized various terms, which I would now like to delve into further. These words lack precise definitions. We Germans would prefer consulting the Duden to clarify their meanings. However, the focus here is on how these words are typically employed, so that you can grasp their intended significance. Therefore, take a moment to peruse my concise explanations:

• Casino: This is the umbrella term for any place where gambling is offered. This applies to a physical casino as well as an online casino. However, a casino can also be a dining room, for example, for officers in the German military.
• Spielbank: This term is primarily used for a physical casino with table games and slot machines. Only in Switzerland are online casinos also referred to as online spielbanken.
• Casino: Due to the new German gambling law, only slot machines in online casinos with a German license are allowed, which has popularized the term "Spielothek." Players expect table games from a casino or a gambling establishment. However, the new German online casinos resemble more the game halls found throughout the country, where only slot machines are available, and are therefore increasingly referred to as online game halls.

The range of online casinos available in Germany

I have already provided a considerable amount of information about the new offering in Germany in the online casino realm for 2022. Now, I would like to delve even further into the individual games. As a casino enthusiast hailing from Germany, it is crucial for you to be aware of what to expect when you engage in online gambling at legal German casinos.

Slot machines

As mentioned earlier, there are several key factors to consider when playing a slot machine. One of them is the Return to Player (RTP), which reveals your chances of winning. Unfortunately, video slots with a high RTP are not always the most appealing. After all, the slot machines should also provide a great deal of enjoyment. It is essential to find a balance between favorable odds and engaging gameplay.

Humor can truly enhance the enjoyment factor of a slot game, while also bringing a sense of fun and amusement. On the other hand, one can also find excitement and fear in vampire, Halloween, and other spooky-themed slots, which add an element of suspense and thrill to the experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on what you are in the mood for.

Moreover, the numerous diverse winning features also come into play. Nowadays, it goes far beyond just a wild symbol or a few free spins as in the Book of Dead slot. Wild symbols alone can have many additional functions, such as a multiplier. Furthermore, they can wander across the playing field, remain fixed for multiple rounds, or expand across an entire reel.

Free spins also often have multipliers that can sometimes increase infinitely. However, in bonus games, there is now much more than just the pick-a-bonus feature. In these games, you select a treasure chest or a coffin, like in NetEnt's Blood Suckers slot, and hope that it contains the highest win. Nowadays, more and more bonus games resemble a mini video game, where you can control a character or shoot at something.

Online Poker

A lot has changed in the realm of online poker due to the new law. Now, only poker games against other individuals are allowed. However, this does not include live dealers in live casinos. In fact, all live games have been prohibited. But poker against other poker players has been exempted as the sole exception. The same restrictions as in online casinos apply, such as the €1,000 monthly limit.

However, there are also specific regulations for poker platforms. The seating arrangement of players at poker tables must be purely random, aiming to curb cheating through collusion among players. Furthermore, players are not allowed to play at more than four tables simultaneously. As of 2022, no provider has obtained an official German license for online poker games.

Live games

The majority of players adore the captivating allure of live casino games. These captivating games often encompass a variety of table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker. However, the live casino arena also offers an array of thrilling gameshows and numerous other games like fortune wheels and Lucky 7. Unfortunately, players from Germany must forgo these enticing games on domestic casino sites. Naturally, renowned online casinos still feature live dealer games in their gaming repertoire, albeit without a German license in accordance with the currently valid gambling treaty.

Sports betting

In earlier versions of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, online sports betting was already well regulated. As a result, there are countless providers with a sports betting license from Germany for online wagering. Some even offer sports betting on the same platform as their online casino. However, currently, there are no well-known online casinos with a German license that also provide sports betting. These are usually casino operators with an EU license. Nevertheless, it's just a matter of time, and once such an option becomes available with a German license, I will evaluate it positively.

Conclusion: It is objectively possible to find good casino websites.

In summary, one can assert that objectively finding good casino sites is possible, but it requires a substantial amount of experience and legal knowledge. I believe that an amateur would struggle to discover the legal casino sites on the internet, let alone identify the best online casinos. Hence, it would be wiser for you to rely on my recommendation lists and claim a bonus from there. On this webpage, you have learned about the meticulousness with which I evaluate and compare providers. Therefore, you can trust that I only recommend the finest casino sites.

Frequently asked questions about online casinos

I often receive recurring inquiries about legal and secure online casinos. Additionally, these queries are frequently encountered in relevant forums. Therefore, I will now provide answers to these commonly asked questions, serving as the final touch in enhancing your newfound knowledge about German online casinos.