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Updates in iGaming and Gambling Legislation in Germany

Is there a gloomy forecast for Germany’s gambling industry? Due to significant delays and shifts, the German betting industry has been clouded by uncertainty in recent years. Sixteen German federal governments signed a gambling treaty in 2012 intending to introduce sports betting to the online casino industry.
Learn about the difficulties facing Germany’s sports betting industry here.
Finally, the long-awaited (partial) reform of German gaming law has taken effect. The new German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG 2021) became effective in July that year, making the German market available to private operators.
Despite issues with the licensing process private operators must go through, several companies have applied for and been granted licenses. Courts have been kept busy over the past year by players seeking to recover winnings from private operators. Different judicial judgments, their justifications, and new developments are described here.
Recent Organizational Shifts in Key German Gambling Authorities
Each of Germany’s 16 federal states has some say over gambling regulation, which means 16 different federal agencies could rule on the matter. But two bodies were already appointed by the federal states to handle licensing procedures.
The Darmstadt Regional Council (RP Darmstadt) in the state of Hesse is in charge of issuing licenses for online sports betting in Germany. Saale in Saxony-Anhalt is regulated by the State Administrative Office in Halle, which gives gambling licenses for games, including online slots and poker. By the end of the year 2022, both of these organizations will be rendered ineffective.
All German online gambling licenses and enforcement mechanisms, such as prohibition orders, IP blocking, and barring payment service providers, will be transferred to the newly established Joint Gambling Supervisory Authority in Halle on January 1, 2023.
Since July 1, 2022, the GGL has been actively pursuing legal action against illegal gaming offers and promotions. The GGL principally employs the above-mentioned procedures, IP blocking and blockage of payment service providers, to implement prohibition orders.
In addition, the GGL can begin criminal investigations in concert with the district attorney’s office. To guarantee that gambling businesses can function on a level playing field, the GGL should ensure that the law is consistently applied and enforced.
Methods of Obtaining a License
Private operators can apply for sports betting, virtual slot machines (online simulation of the terrestrial slot machine), and online poker licenses under the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Act of 2021 (ISTG 2021). Each permit is good for five years after it is issued.
Playing Casino Games Online
Online gambling is excluded from the rulemaking. This category includes online broadcasts of real-life casinos that allow viewers to join in the action and computer-generated simulations of popular casino games like blackjack and roulette.
Federal states have different rules regarding the possibility of acquiring a license for online casino games. The individual federal states have the option of either allowing exclusively state-based operators to offer online casino games or of granting permits to private operators as well.
There will be a restricted number of licenses available to private operators if the federal states elect to issue them, in contrast to the permits for i.a. virtual slot machines and sports betting.
Many federal states still need to make up their minds on whether or not private operators should be able to apply for an online casino games license, as the experts from https://casinoreviewers.com need to rank casinos in Germany as well. It has already been announced that the federal governments of Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia intend to offer licenses to private operators.
Schleswig-Holstein and five by North Rhine-Westphalia will issue four permits. License applications for online gambling are currently being prepared. Lawmakers will probably base the regulations on what is required to run a traditional casino.
eSports, Poker, and Slots
Online sports betting, virtual slot machines, and poker have remarkably similar licensing procedures with minor differences. The most crucial elements of the general norms are summarized here.
By the end of 2022, all valid online sports betting licenses issued during the ISTG era will have expired. Applying for new licenses to offer online sports betting under ISTG 2021 for 2023 and later is presently underway, with the first licenses likely to be issued in the fourth quarter of 2022.
To operate online slot machines, the first licenses have already been awarded. In the upcoming months, we anticipate a steady influx of new licenses.
Following ISTG 2021, the authorities maintain an online official list of all licensed and authorized operators and brokers of games of chance (so-called safelist).
The Recovery Claims
Not a new occurrence, recovery claims have seen an increase in activity over the past year as more and more participants attempt to recoup their investments from private operators.
No final and binding high court ruling has been rendered even though these claims have occupied courts for several years: Some courts have ruled in favor of players and awarded them compensation (such as the LG Köln and the AG Essen), while others have ruled against them and denied their claims (such as the LG München I and the AG Euskirchen, LG Regensburg, and LG Dresden – most of which have not yet been published). It appears that sports betting is beginning to revive. In this case, business owners have a fair possibility of successfully challenging reimbursement claims in court.
The fact that players lost their money at unlicensed German online casinos is at the heart of recovery claims. Casino patrons claim that the casinos have illegally taken their bets back, while casinos counter the fact that the patrons knowingly engaged in unauthorized gambling.
Gamblers commonly take legal action against the financial institutions that process their deposits and withdrawals at online casinos.
Even though the judgments mentioned above were handed down in a pre-ISTG 2021 legal atmosphere, comparable cases are still possible because internet casino operators in Germany still provide services to the German market without the necessary license.
Conclusion
To sum up, the recommended actions do not promote channelization. The current state of affairs is that local operators complain that the measures proposed by regulatory authorities encourage black market activity.
Germany’s betting community and business owners have long awaited legalization. The time is coming when online sportsbooks will be entirely legit. However, the current doubts will remain. The local gambling industry is looking forward to a more stable future.
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Week 38/2023 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
MGA Games launches its new 5-reel slot game Magical Lake in online casinos. A game that immerses users in a fantasy world full of mystical creatures, hidden treasures, and dazzling magic. Players have the opportunity to enter the fantastic forest of Magical Lake and learn the secrets that the lucky fairy hides. The latest casino slot game production from MGA Games is packed with special features. It includes 25 prize lines, as well as Wilds and Scatters.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, unleashes the power of mythological beasts in its latest Asian-inspired Slot, 8 Golden Dragon Challenge™. Transporting players deep into the mountains to the House of Fortune and Good Luck, blue, red and green dragons make up the game’s symbols across the slot’s 5×3 reels. Landing three or more Scatters anywhere on the reels unlocks the mystifying bonus game, where eight free spins are awarded.
Spinomenal has launched its latest game within its hugely popular Queen of Elements series, Queen of Water. This aquatic adventure unfolds in the serene depths of the ocean where a powerful soundtrack creates an immersive ambiance. Medium symbols include the Queen’s tiara, starfish, jellyfish and fish. The Queen of Water Wild symbol can replace any symbol except for free spins and bonus icons. By landing five Wild symbols on a winning line multiplies the player bet per line by x2000.
Evoplay is transporting players to an ancient civilization in its newest slot, Jhana of God. Inviting players to harness the power of sacred animals, the game’s high-paying symbols are made up of turtles, fish, elephants, and tiger symbols with flower Wilds also present, making it easier for players to form harmonious combinations to award a win. Adding to the allure, two different coloured Hamsa Bonus symbols can appear, with silver granting two Free Spins and gold awarding three Free Spins, with three or more symbols needed in total to trigger the Bonus Round.
Yggdrasil, is hoisting the colours alongside Bulletproof Gaming in preparation for a high-seas adventure in Blackbeard Battle of the Seas. The 5×3, 20 payline slot sees players traverse the oceans in search of riches, with a plethora of modifiers appearing on the reels to supercharge the action-packed slot. During base gameplay, the floating skull modifier can occur, which ensures that players can trigger one of four outcomes – Five of a Kind, Big Win, Super Wild, and the Bonus Game.
ELA Games, a leading game developer for the iGaming industry, is excited to announce the new fantastic chapter of Norse adventure, “Vikings Wild Cash.”This game perfectly merges epic Scandinavian vibes with fun cartoon characters and vibrant animations. The slot features the classic 5×4 reel filled with wild drakkars, brave Vikings, and lucky runes. Collecting three or more Bonus symbols grants a player unlimited free spins with an increasable multiplier, and landing a whole reel of Wilds brings an instant cash prize, contributing to the most exciting and engaging experience.
Relax Gaming, the renowned iGaming aggregator and provider of unique content is saying a final farewell to iGaming’s most celebrated slot franchise with its upcoming release, Money Train 4. The now-legendary band of lawbreakers return in this high-volatility, action-packed thriller that can see players win up to an incredible 150,000x their bet. This loot comes in the shape of explosive features such as its Respin Feature and the legendary Money Cart Bonus Round.
Kalamba Games has launched a nature-inspired multifaceted new slot, Blazing Spirit Hold and Win. Played across 5×3 reels, various beasts make up the game’s symbols with owls, horses and eagles reflecting the animal theme, these must form a matching combination across the slot’s 25 paylines to award a win. Wolf wild symbols aid in the creation of these wins substituting for all base game symbols. These are joined by Cashpots with instant prizes attached to them, with four or five needing to be landed in the base game to award their cumulative prize.
Wizard Games is offering up red-hot rewards and Vegas-style thrills with its latest release Sizzling Mystery. Presenting players with a classic fruit theme, the new release packs a fiery punch across its 5×3 reels with winning combinations made across 243 paylines. A random number of Mystery Symbols can land on the reels during any spin, transforming into any paying symbol including wilds and adding an exciting layer of unpredictability.
Having already stunned the slot-playing world with trail-blazing titles like Aloha Spirit XtraLock and Monster Disco XtraHold, sought-after software provider Swintt is proud to unveil the latest innovative instalment of its exciting Xtra series in the all-new Jade Blade XtraSplit. Set high in the mountains of ancient China where a fearless female warrior channels the power of mystic dragons, fearsome lions and lucky rabbits, Jade Blade XtraSplit features a unique mechanic where magical jade stones split the reels multiple times to create an incredible 1,679,616 ways to win.
First, Play’n GO established that pigs could fly in the classic Flying Pigs (2013), and now we’ve been shown that hogs may know a thing or two about coin collecting in the new online slot, Piggy Blitz. Play’n GO’s always championed iGaming diversity and player choice – offering up a wide variety of titles such as dynamic Table Games, gripping Grid Slots and of course, fun and easy to follow Animal Slots. Piggy Blitz is no different. Set atop a gameshow-style backdrop – this title boasts 4,096 payways and a x5,000 max win potential.
Mo Mo Moolah, the latest ‘Powered by OneTouch’ release, serves up a classic casino experience with innovative modern features and huge win potential. A one line game set across three reels, Mo Mo Moolah evokes a sense of nostalgia where simplicity reigns supreme, combining traditional elements with features such as rewarding respins and multipliers. Players choose to play with one, two or three reels with all columns activated offering bigger prizes of up to 10,500x the bet.
Players are being given the opportunity to travel back in time to the ice age in the latest slot from in-demand provider, Booming Games. Those who can brace the icy winds of Mammoth Tundra will come face to face with beasts and potentially big wins. Players must trek across the frozen reels – which take the 5×3 format – and keep their wits about them at all times. Not only can Woolly Mammoths cross their path, but so too can sabre tooth tigers and other wild animals.
Playson, the fast-growing digital entertainment supplier, has launched Pearl Ocean: Hold and Win, a fun, fish-filled title that exhibits two new key features in an underwater quest for wins. Alongside the classic Hold and Win Bonus Game, the studio has introduced a Super version that offers increased win potential in this vibrant and colourful 5×4 slot. The elevated mode is triggered when a Super Bonus Symbol appears alongside five standard Bonus pearls in the main gameplay or Free Spins, as well as when it instantly appears during the original Bonus Game.
Gaming Corps is bringing back the beloved classic fruit theme with the launch of new slot game Super Hot Stacks. Super Hot Stacks is a five-reel video slot with three symbols per reel and 15 paylines. The game gives players the chance to watch their wins multiply as the reels stack up with juicy fruits and exciting multiplier values. The Super Hot Stacks feature can be triggered on any spin. When a symbol lands in every symbol position on a single reel, the multiplier increases by +1.
3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, is taking players to a fun-filled farm in its latest Hold and Win adventure, where freshly hatched rewards including four in-game jackpots are on offer for players. Little Farm: Hold and Win is a 5×4, 25-payline slot from the iGaming distributor that delivers light-hearted entertainment, underpinned by a feature-rich gameplay, vibrant animations and a range of furry friends.
Yggdrasil, has partnered with Jelly to release a jungle adventure like no other in their latest release, Beasty Blox GigaBlox™. A plethora of fearsome animals rule the reels as the headline Game Engagement Mechanic (GEM) GigaBlox roars into action, meaning every spin will see at least one supersized symbol appear, sized 2×2 right up to 4×4. In Free Spins, a mystery SuperStaxx symbol can land in view to reveal any paying symbol. This can award up to five additional payways per symbol, significantly increasing win potential.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of its latest online and mobile slot games: Bullion Bars Gold Collector™ and Big Piggy Bank™. Packed with golden wins is Bullion Bars Gold Collector, a classic gold-themed game with a reel configuration of 5×3 and 10-win lines. ig Piggy Bank™, a cash collector game themed around collecting and filling piggy banks, is set to be the biggest launch of the year so far. Its vibrant and colourful symbols of pigs, cash, gold and gems will transport players to a fun-filled world of piggy riches.
Compliance Updates
Condor Gaming Group Secures Remote Bookmakers License from The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

Condor Gaming Group is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey as a leading player in the iGaming industry. We are delighted to share the news that Condor Gaming Group has successfully secured a coveted Remote Bookmakers License from The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (THE GRAI), solidifying our commitment to providing exceptional gaming experiences in the Irish market.
This achievement marks a momentous occasion for Condor Gaming Group, as we expand our footprint and continue to deliver top-tier gaming services to our ever-growing customer base. The newly acquired Remote Bookmakers License from the GRAI underscores our dedication to regulatory compliance, fair play, and responsible gambling practices.
Condor Gaming Group’s CMO, Prash Patel expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud of this accomplishment and excited about the opportunities it opens up for us in the Irish market. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to growth whilst delivering the highest standards of gaming entertainment and ensuring the safety and well-being of our players.”
The Irish Remote Bookmakers License represents a significant addition to Condor Gaming Group’s portfolio of existing licenses, further reinforcing the company’s position as a trustworthy and reputable operator in the iGaming industry.
Key Highlights of Condor Gaming Group’s Remote Bookmakers License:
Regulatory Compliance: The license is a testament to Condor Gaming Group’s commitment to adhering to the strictest regulatory standards, ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for Irish players.
Expansion: With this license, Condor Gaming Group is well-positioned to expand its presence in the Irish market and offer a comprehensive sports betting experience to Irish players.
Responsible Gaming: Condor Gaming Group is dedicated to promoting responsible gaming practices and will continue to implement measures to safeguard players’ well-being.
Innovation: The company will leverage its extensive expertise to provide cutting-edge sports betting services, combining innovation with a user-friendly experience.
Condor Gaming Group is excited to embark on this new chapter in its journey and looks forward to delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience to the Irish gaming community. Our team is committed to providing top-quality services while ensuring the highest standards of integrity and fairness.
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MGA Games Bedazzles with ‘A Night Among Celebrities’ During SBC Summit Barcelona

On the evening of Wednesday, September 20, MGA Games surprised online casino game operators and aggregators at the SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 by hosting a unique celebration at the Wax Museum of Barcelona.
MGA Games invited guests to spend ‘A Night Among Celebrities’, playing on the parallelism between the museum’s wax figures, based on famous icons, and the slot games starring celebrities developed by MGA Games.
The evening proved to be a great success with many of the surprised and excited guests remarking on how original and well-organised the event was.
During the evening, guests also enjoyed an exclusive private tour of the museum where they admired the impressive wax figures of their favourite celebrities.
The organisation of this unforgettable night in an emblematic venue is yet another example of the company’s commitment to offering its partners and customers unique experiences. An effort that also demonstrates MGA Games’ ability to innovate and make a difference in the gaming sector.
The party was the finishing touch to MGA Games’ presence at the SBC Summit Barcelona 2023, where, during the show, the company’s stand, packed with visitors, reflected its strong growth in new markets and its prominent position in the online gaming industry.
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