Is Sports Betting Legal in Germany?
Sports betting is legal in Germany and can be practiced by anyone over 18.
Our team at OddsSurfer.com reviewed over 50 betting sites to bring you the top options in Germany for 2025. Our analysis shows that trusted, fully licensed operators are essential for German bettors, who often face high taxes and transaction fees. Check our bookmaker ratings, create an account, and start betting today.
22Bet offers exceptional value for budget-conscious players with just a €1 minimum deposit. All kinds of payment methods are accepted, including crypto. Add 24/7 customer support via live chat, and you’ll have a top betting site valued in Germany and abroad.
BC.GAME is a crypto-friendly online casino with a comprehensive sportsbook. A partnership with Leicester City has strengthened its connection with the world of sports, particularly football. Overall, it’s a modern platform offering sports betting, casino games, and cryptocurrency exchange functionality. However, there’s a lack of classic payment systems: only credit & debit cards, some e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
NEO.bet, a relatively new sports betting site, was founded in 2018. It’s regulated and licensed by the German State Treaty on Gambling. The homepage showcases a wide array of betting events and promotes their excellent welcome offer of a 200% first deposit bonus up to €50. There are many payment options, including traditional banking methods, debit cards, and Germany-specific services like Sofort and Giropay.
Founded in 1999 with decades of sports betting experience, bet-at-home offers a straightforward betting platform designed for user-friendly navigation. The website is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness. Customer service is readily available through phone support.
🌏 Country | Germany 🇩🇪 |
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👌 Language | German |
💰 Currency | Euro (EUR) |
⚽ Popular sports | Football, Basketball, Tennis, Ice Hockey, Handball, Esports, Boxing, Skiing, Cycling |
⚖️ Is betting legal? | Yes |
🏛️ Regulator | Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) |
🧾 Gambling taxes | 5.3% tax on sports betting stakes |
💳 Most popular payments methods | Visa/Mastercard, PayPal, PaysafeCard, Klarna, Giropay, Online Überweisung |
Leading Betting Apps in Germany
Many bettors now prefer smartphone betting. Most German betting sites offer mobile apps, though quality varies. This section highlights top apps that replicate desktop features while enhancing the mobile experience with smooth, fast performance.
22Bet has a fast mobile application that works with iOS, Android, & Windows Phone. The experience with live betting is extremely smooth & responsive. German is one of the languages available, just like on the desktop version.
Betano’s app includes features like Cash Out (cash-out feature) and live betting features, offering a fully functional, mobile-optimized version of its desktop site. Available for iOS & Android, this user-friendly app allows players to switch easily from sports betting to casino games.
bet365 is one of the rare cases where the app version is even better than the desktop one. It’s not a coincidence that the App Store & Google Play ratings are so high. Features like Bet Builder and Cash Out are all included, making betting more fun & convenient.
Available for Android & iOS, this application is a mobile-friendly version of the desktop. That means all the features that distinguish NEO.bet in the market are included. Besides, the interface is as smooth and responsive as it gets.
Betting online in Germany is legal, but the regulatory framework is complex and frequently updated. It is crucial to stay up-to-date and choose only bookmakers with a valid license. Key facts include: a 5.3% tax on sports betting stakes (not winnings) and a €1,000 monthly deposit limit for bettors.
Germany’s approach to online betting has changed over the years and differs from state to state. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), implemented in 2021, standardized sports betting regulations across the country. Since then, only sites with licenses like Germany’s own or internationally recognized ones, like MGA, UKGC, or Gibraltar, are legal. Differences still exist between states: Schleswig-Holstein, for example, grants licenses to online casinos, unlike other German states.
The GlüStV 2021 is set for review in 2026, and the impact on bettors and operators remains uncertain. This makes it even more important to stay updated and to continue betting only through licensed operators. Last but not least, always remember to play responsibly.
At OddsSurfer, our main goal is to be transparent and fair when evaluating betting sites. We evaluate each category of online sportsbooks based on its unique characteristics. Experts stress the regional and national context, with focus on factors for each betting site type.
Our initial step is to detail the factors that contribute to a bookmaker’s security. Then, we’ll check the main criteria for German betting sites.
Without security, there can be no fun. That’s why assessing whether or not sports betting sites are secure using the following criteria is important.
We always check that betting sites have a valid German license or a secure license from reputable jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, or the UK. Additionally, they must implement security measures such as SSL encryption to protect user data.
It is essential that, in case of problems, attentive operators lead users step by step. In addition, the service should be available 24/7 and offered in German, ideally via live chat or telephone.
Terms & conditions must be fair and clear, concerning bonuses, payment methods, betting markets, etc.
We prefer sites with fast payouts for all banking methods and check user feedback on them.
Our preferred bookmakers are those with solid finances, a broad user base, and global operations, especially when they feature a variety of betting options.
Finally, we analyze whether betting sites have convenient promotions (e.g. welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions) with accessible wagering terms.
Here are the main points we considered when analyzing the German market.
Betting sites need German content and features that fit local tastes.
The most popular payment methods in Germany, such as Klarna (former Sofortüberweisung) & Giropay, should be present. Bank transfers are essential, too, while transactions should be in Euros.
The homepage must load quickly, be easy to navigate, and be responsive. Users need to find what they need without any problems.
Providing live chat, email, and phone support in Germany is essential for a positive user experience. After all, understanding the operator is crucial to solve a problem.
The sign-up and deposit processes should be straightforward so players can immediately start enjoying the website without wasting precious time.
In Germany, sports are a fundamental part of everyone’s life. This includes physical activity and watching sports events on TV or at the stadium. Thanks to a national team capable of winning a huge amount of trophies and a competitive league, football is the favorite option for many. Still, other sports are also beginning to get the attention of German bettors.
There is nothing like football in Germany. Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 leagues attract many fans to stadiums. The love for the German national team is unconditional. It’s not a surprise, then, that sports betting became closely associated with football.
Dirk Nowitzki has made a lot of Germans fall in love with basketball and the NBA, and the Bundesliga’s Basketball League (BBL) is also quite popular.
Tennis is popular for betting in Germany, thanks to its rich history and legends like Boris Becker and Steffi Graf.
Ice hockey is popular in Germany, with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) being the leading domestic competition.
Germany excels at handball, so both the domestic league and the EHF Champions League draw many fans.
Esports have reached a high popularity in Germany, also thanks to the ESL One in Cologne.
Major fights with international stars often attract significant interest in Germany.
Rabona: Sports betting on boxing and casino games.
German betting fans love winter sports like skiing, especially during important international competitions.
Cyclists like Rudi Altig and Jan Ullrich helped popularize cycling among Germans. Many still follow the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia.
When betting, the odds tell you how much you could win based on your wager amount. High odds offer higher potential winnings but reflect a lower probability of the outcome occurring. Therefore, it’s important to compare bookmakers online to find the best odds for the same sports event. This way, you can potentially increase your winnings. Based on our research, the betting sites that provide the highest odds are the following ones:
Another way to maximize your chances of winning is to use the bonuses and promotions offered by betting sites. Let’s see what bonuses are most common and which sites have them.
New users can claim a welcome bonus, typically a 100% match on their first deposit, subject to wagering requirements before withdrawal. Sites like bet365, Betano, and Unibet offer top promotions.
No deposit bonuses are rarer, but they can be truly convenient. No deposit bonuses provide funds or free bets upon registration, but you must meet wagering requirements to withdraw winnings. NEO.bet gives new users a €10 betting credit. Another platform offering a no-deposit bonus is 888Casino.
Another type of promotion that is quite common in sports betting is free bets. Instead of receiving bonus funds, you can place a few bets for free, as it happens on Betway & Tipico. This is usually part of a welcome package.
When you lose while betting, a cashback bonus can help you regain a percentage of what you lost. Cashback bonuses refund a percentage of losses, encouraging continued betting with a partial safety net, subject to terms. BetWinner and 22Bet offer some of the best cashbacks.
German betting sites offer a wide range of payment systems. Some are popular worldwide, while others are more specific to Germany. Let’s see which are the main ones, divided by category.
Let’s begin with the classics. Credit cards and bank transfers are usually accepted on all online casinos and betting sites. If you have a debit card, you should not worry either, especially if it’s Visa or Mastercard.
E-wallets are growing in popularity, and that’s not only in Germany. Their secret recipe is a mix of ease of use, high levels of privacy, and speed. Many bettors prefer PayPal, but there are other payment methods to explore. E-wallets like NETELLER, Skrill. MuchBetter, MiFinity and ecoPayz work well for deposits and withdrawals.
To improve security and maintain anonymity, consider e-vouchers such as PaysafeCard, which is common in Germany, or CashtoCode. These options do not need any bank account.
We mentioned methods recognized worldwide, but there are also Germany-exclusive payment methods available on these betting sites. Klarna, Giropay, and Online-Überweisung allow you to pay from your bank account in a much simpler and faster way.
Younger betting fans and tech-savvy players are likely to prefer sites that offer the possibility of playing with cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin & Ethereum are extremely common, but there are many more. Popular cryptocurrencies provide fast and secure transactions.
Last but not least, mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay or Google Pay are also becoming popular among betting users in Germany, especially those who already like to play from their smartphones and do everything on the go.
German customers have various transaction methods available for online betting. Here’s a brief overview of some.
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Opening an account on the betting sites we analyzed in this review is quite easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it even simpler.
Select from the betting sites we’ve presented and click the link to visit the chosen option.
Click ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Register’ (typically in the top right corner), then provide your name, address, and contact details. Verify your account via email or phone.
Check the minimum amount you can deposit and set a budget for your betting activities. Choose a payment method and proceed.
Scroll through the available sports events and start having fun.
Withdrawal times differ among various financial methods. Yet, processing withdrawals quickly is essential for all players in Germany, as nobody wants to wait forever for their money. Betano and bet365 process e-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours. Still, processing time for Skrill, PayPal, or MuchBetter may vary depending on conditions.
Betway processes e-wallet withdrawals within 24 hours. Processing times increase significantly for traditional methods: up to 7 days for bank transfers and 2 to 5 days for credit cards.
When you choose to start playing on German betting sites, it is important to remember to do so responsibly. Gambling must be entertainment and fun, not a way to make money. Always decide on a budget to stick to from the beginning. You should also avoid chasing your losses. If you lose, take a break and only bet within your predetermined budget to maintain control.
When you recognize there might be a gambling addiction, take immediate action and stop betting immediately. Seek help from trained psychologists. Organizations such as Spielsuchtberatung and Glücksspielsucht provide counseling and support for addicted gamblers and their relatives.
Betting sites also offer a range of tools to tackle gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling. For example, there are time limits, self-exclusion options, and spending limits. All of these options are available on the mentioned betting sites.
The German betting world is always evolving, with more sports betting sites emerging in Germany every day. They offer numerous interesting options and betting markets for every sport, from football to skiing. We have seen that most sites also feature a variety of payment methods, from Visa to Bitcoin, NETELLER to Klarna.
Each betting platform has its strengths and weaknesses, but they offer a diverse landscape within which it’s easy to choose one’s favorite bookmaker. However, you should pay attention to licenses and legal regulations. It’s better to opt for betting sites licensed by German or recognized European authorities, as they are completely legal in Germany and are considered safer.
Learn more about betting sites in Germany by reading specific reviews on our site.
Sports betting is legal in Germany and can be practiced by anyone over 18.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Germany. However, sports like basketball, tennis, handball, or ice hockey have many diehard fans and a betting crowd, too.
Online betting is legal in Germany and regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). Only sites with a German license are 100% legal and safe.
bet365, Betano, and NEO.bet operate legally with German licenses.
A 5.3% tax applies to sports betting stakes, not winnings. Keep this in mind if you plan to start betting in this country.
German betting sites accept cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies like Trustly and Bitcoin.
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