The online casino market in Germany has been a veritable minefield for a long time, and there is little sign of that stopping any time soon.
While there is still hope that Germany’s online casino market will become fully regulated in the next few years, with some recent advances being made in the world of online sports betting, at this point, it remains an open market, with creates something of a quagmire for players.
The lack of ability for operators to understand the situation for online gambling in Germany has led to some doubt from that side of the industry too, as shown by Novomatic.
Novomatic’s Exit
Software developer Novomatic had once referred to Germany as its “most important” market due to the opportunities that exist within it, but the lack of regulation ultimately led to the company leaving the German market due to concerns about the “unclear” situation.
A spokesperson for the company explained the situation at the time, saying that bootlegging had become too much of an issue:
“Unfortunately there are many providers which continue to place copied gaming content unlawfully on the German market without having relevant agreements with us.”
This news was even more shocking to some, as Novomatic was positioned to make a multi-billion dollar initial public offering on the Frankfurt Borse (stock exchange), but they scrapped the plans and left the country instead.
This is a testament to the concerns that many operators have about the dangers that exist within unregulated markets, something that players should also be aware of.
Is it Safe to Play Online Blackjack in Germany?
With these dangers existing in the market, is it safe to play anywhere?
If you want to play Online Blackjack in Germany, it might seem like it isn’t worth the risk, but as long as you’re careful and safe, then there are many opportunities for Live Blackjack games in the country at casino sites that are licensed in legitimate jurisdictions, such as Malta, Isle Of Man, Gibraltar or by the UKGC.
Due to the scale of the market, you can access German speaking tables as well as English speaking tables, which adds an extra dimension to gameplay.
The good thing about certain casinos offering German speaking Live Blackjack games, is that it lets you know that particular casino has enough of a following in the country for doing so to be profitable.
Casoo casino – Top Choice
Casoo Casino is the best example of this, a brand that is well-known, and well trusted in multiple jurisdictions around, including Germany, hence the existence of the German exclusive Deutsches Blackjack table.
Using 8 decks, with a dealer stands on 17 rule, and 3:2 for Blackjack, there are the traditional seven seats at this table, with a Bet Behind option for those who want to join in when the table is full.
Other Sites
The other two most popular online casinos in German in terms of content and customer service and safety are Joo Casino and Playamo Casino, both being household names in many countries, similar to Tsars.
While there are other online casinos to choose from, due to the lack of regulation in the market, it is better to aim for those that are the most recognisable, especially if they offer a German language product, showing the size of their market share in the German market.
Evolution Gaming
The world of live dealer gaming has grown beyond all recognition in the last couple of years. A combination of technological advances, fastest internet speeds, and increased competition within the industry has led to numerous companies updating and evolving their live casino product with an aim to reach the top of the pile.
While the likes of Extreme Live Gaming and NetEnt have done very well for themselves when it comes to the popularity and reputation of their Live Blackjack games, it is arguably Evolution Gaming that maintain the highest position.
In Germany, this is perhaps truer than in most other jurisdictions, not least due to the German language product that Evolution provides to Mr Green.
While many other software developers offer live dealer games as an extra product, even an afterthought (although the growing popularity of this sector of the market is making that less frequent) Evolution Gaming have always put their live casino games at the top of the list, and Blackjack is their flagship product.
If you’re looking for the best, true to life Live Blackjack games that transport you into the midst of a bustling online casino from the comfort of your own home, then Evolution Gaming has you covered, and then some!
Payment Methods
Another issue with the open nature of the German market is knowing your money is safe, and that your deposits and withdrawals are protected.
As a result, it is perhaps even more important in Germany than in the rest of the world that players are careful about the payment and withdrawal methods they choose. The two top payment methods in Germany are PayPal, and Sofort, the latter of which offers instant transfers from a German bank account.
However, eWallets such as Skrill and Neteller are growing in popularity, while debit and credit cards are also still a popular option, as is the Paysafecard. When the choice is available, it always makes sense to play, and indeed operate, in a regulated market.
However, for those in Germany, it is not that easy, and the risky nature of such an open market mean that in order to play Live Blackjack online in the country, it’s important to tread with intense trepidation.
As long as you take this guide into account, and only visit safe, well-reputed casinos that offer Live Dealer games from respected software developers, then you do not need to take any more risk than a player in a regulated market, which Germany will hopefully become in the near future, if the rumours are to be believed.
