Schleswig-Holstein Regulates eGaming

In a historic vote on the morning of the 14th September 2011 the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein agreed in a vote of 46 to 45 to regulate the eGaming market within the Schleswig-Holstein Länder.

Germany is divided into 16 separate states called Länder, each with its own parliament and ability to legislate and regulate matters on a state-level.

For some time now the 16 German states have tried to come to an agreement on a bill draft that would regulate online gambling for Germany.

After much deliberation that resulted in one of the states; Schleswig-Holstein has given up on the chance of reaching an acceptable bill on a national level and decided to go it alone and approve an eGaming reform within the state that is in accordance with the European Commission.

There were many fears that the region would turn into a German version of Las Vegas if Schleswig-Holstein would be the only German state to regulate gaming. This fear caused delays in the vote that was eventually carried out and approved by a majority of one vote.

The new regulations will allow for the existence of Betting exchange, sportsbook, online poker and casino games. Operators will be able to apply for a license and pay taxes that will benefit the state greatly.

The law will come into effect on 1st January 2012 and licenses will be valid from 1st of March. Companies such as Bwin.Party have confirmed that they will be applying for a license once the legislation is implemented.

This move also puts great pressure on the remaining 15 German states that seem to be dragging their heels with regards to agreeing on eGaming legislation.