The German state of Brandenburg has made some minor changes to its gambling legislation, updating its 2007 Casino Act to include online casino games. However, adjustments have also been made to its lotteries, arcades and sports betting regulations.
The changes have been made ahead of the implementation of the Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeuRStv) treaty, Germany’s new gambling regulation which is set to legalise online poker and casino next year.
The new regulatory updates will allow small private lottery draws, which acquire less than €40,000 worth of tickets sold, to take place. Moreover, betting shops and arcades are now required to be located at least 500m apart.
Brandenburg’s updated changes have been reported to the European Commission, with the regulatory alterations going through a standstill until December 22.
The GlüNeuRStv treaty is set to replace Germany’s Third State Treaty and includes a new €1,000 monthly player spending limit across all operators. Nevertheless, customers can apply to have the limit raised to €10,000 if maximum bet and loss limits are created.
Other regulations included in the GlüNeuRStv treaty features slot games being offered separately to table games, while a €1 per spin stake limit will also be introduced. Moreover, live sports betting markets will be limited to match winner and next scorer offerings for the time being.
The new national treaty will officially come into effect once the Third State Treaty expires with Brandenburg’s new adjustments highlighting that regulations are already starting to be implemented in order to create a smooth transition.
For the GlüNeuRStV to be implemented it still needs to be ratified by 13 of the country’s 16 states, nevertheless, given the recent developments in Brandenburg and Berlin, it seems likely the treaty will be passed.
