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Gambling has been legal in Germany for a long time, ever since the Interstate Treaty on Gambling was introduced in 2008. However, the special regulatory body, Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), was established in 2021 to fully implement local betting rules. It jumped into action in 2023, so now you can access safe and legit bookmakers approved by it.
Besides those locally licensed sites, Germany also allows its citizens to legally join offshore companies. To help you narrow it down to a few best picks, our BetZillion experts have tested hundreds of platforms, which left us with only the best ones in terms of games, bonuses, and odds.
Full List of Germany Betting Sites
There are many betting companies in Germany, including bookmakers, which hold a local gambling license. Still, it’s worthwhile to also expand your reach to offshore sites, and we’ve tried to provide you with a blend of both as rated by our experts.
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The most important thing is to focus on safe and legitimate sites that are either approved by the GGL or by another renowned authority like the MGA for offshore operators. Along with that, you should go for platforms accepting Euros as a currency, as well as those with a localized betting offer.
Popular Bookmakers in Germany
Since the full list of all the legal bookies in Germany is too demanding to digest, we’ll help you round it up to a few high-value options. Our BetZillion experts will use their firsthand experience of joining these sites and placing a few bets to give you a detailed comparison. Below, you’ll find our quick overview of the top 10 choices:
22Bet
Those looking for the best site to place wagers on both top-flight and low-tier German sports competitions will find over 50 different options at 22Bet. On top of that, you can also get a 100% deposit boost of up to €122 off the bat.
You can also use some of 22Bet’s specials, such as the Friday reload deposit boost, to rack up your bankroll and find enhanced odds. As the finishing touch, the site offers some unique features like the acca insurance which allows you to still get a payout if only one selection of your parlay misses.
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bet365
At bet365, you can get an instant free bet as a new user. Still, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, considering that you can also follow up on in-play streams and get the best live betting odds on the market.
The site also excels in providing dozens of Esports wagering options. You’ll also find it convenient in case you’re looking for frequent odds boosts for major events.
| PROS | CONS |
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Bet-at-home
As the name of this platform hints, Bet-at-home was one of the first online bookies to offer in-play wagering via mobile devices. It’s also one of the rare few homegrown companies that started their adventure from Germany.
With a minimum deposit of just bet €10, it’s a great pick for low-rollers. They have some interesting boosts like the 100% welcome offer of up to €100, as well as an early cash out feature for claiming your parlay wins even before the final selection plays out.
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Betway
betway.com
Betway rewards all newcomers with up to €30 in free bets. It’s a UKGC-licensed platform with a long history in the industry, making it one of the safest options for German bettors.
On top of the welcome bonus, it also rewards you with an instant €10 free bet, as well as a €25 parlay booster. The site features over 50 sports you can wager on, such as all the German football leagues, including the 3rd and 4th divisions.
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20Bet
20bet.com
20Bet is a Curacao-licensed platform with a 100% deposit match up to €100 on your first payment. It offers more than 40 sports and excels in in-play basketball markets and dynamic odds.
You can also follow up on live streams and get weekly odds boosts and parlay enhancements. Plus, you can join a “Forecast” promotional tournament where football fans who accurately guess exact match scores get to share a €1,000 prize pool.
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Wazamba
wazamba.com
Wazamba is one of the most recent offshore bookies with an array of different wagering options. It even includes sports betting jackpots, so that gives you an idea of what type of site it is.
We’d recommend this one to beginners and those without much prior experience visiting online sportsbooks. On top of its simple layout for easy navigation, it also has useful features like early parlay cash outs and boosted odds.
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888Sport
If you’re looking for a similar experience to Betway, only with more generous free bets, 888Sport is the place to be. It offers a convenient range of free bets, starting with a €30 boost for newcomers.
On top of that, it also has a wide range of sports and even features horse racing events with €50 in free wagers. You can also get €5 FB for NBA Bet Builders, and the list goes on for almost every distinctive league or competition.
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Ninecasino
ninecasino.com
Ninecasino is a casino-first platform that combines popular German slots with sports betting options. You can use it to receive special boosted odds on select events, often being up to 30% higher compared to other bookies.
The site also offers detailed in-play wagering stats and a 100% boost on your first deposit, which maxes out at €100. On top of that, you can also take part in special betting contests that are unique to this platform.
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Megapari
megapari.com
As one of the best offshore bookies, Megapari offers thousands of daily events and a €100 welcome bonus on your first deposit. It also has some unique quirks, such as setting up alerts for the German national team’s upcoming matches.
It features complete Telegram integration, too, so you can lay down your wagers via a Telegram bot. Plus, it’s got some very special promotions like birthday gifts.
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N1Bet
n1bet.com
Last but not least, N1Bet is a great offshore bookie with a welcome free bet of up to €500. That makes it suitable for both low-rollers and high-stakes bettors. However, it’s also just the start of the site’s incredible bonus portfolio.
Namely, it also offers a 50% reload, which you can use every month, as well as free bets on specific events selected by the operator. As the cherry on top, you also get to take your claim at the €50,000 sports betting jackpot, which is not something that we see on just about any bookmaker site.
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As you can probably tell, all these options have distinctive benefits for German bettors, and that still makes it tough to decide. So, we’ll help you by giving you a bit of the good old H2H comparison. Take a peek at the table below to see how each of these stack up against the competition in terms of welcome offers, deposit /withdrawal methods, mobile apps, and other key criteria.
| Features | 22Bet | bet365 | Bet-at-home | Betway | 20Bet | Wazamba | 888Sport | Ninecasino | Megapari | N1Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Play Mode | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Live Streaming | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Cash Out | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Mobile Application | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | No ❌ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Bookmaker Payout | 94% | 95% | 96% | 95% | 94% | 94% | 95% | 96% | 96% | 94% |
| Min Deposit | €1 | £5 | €10 | £5 | €10 | €10 | £10 | €20 | $1 | €20 |
| Min Bet | €0.2 | £0.10 | €0.50 | £0.10 | €0.10 | €0.10 | £0.10 | €0.10 | $0.10 | €0.10 |
| Max Profit | €600000 | £2000000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | €100000 | €100000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | €50000 | Unlimited |
| Min Withdrawal | €1 | £5 | €10 | £10 | €10 | €10 | £4 | €50 | $1.50 | €20 |
| Withdrawal Time | Up to 7 working days | Up to 10 working days | Up to 7 working days | Up to 5 working days | Up to 7 working days | Up to 3 working days | Up to 5 working days | Up to 5 working days | Up to 7 working days | Up to 7 working days |
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4.9
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4.8
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4.8
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4.8
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4.8
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4.8
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4.7
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4.7
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4.7
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How to Bet Online in Germany
Opening an account with German bookies is very straightforward and doesn't take longer than a few minutes. You just have to know a few simple steps, and you can also register via a mobile device. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 👤 Step 1: Set up an Account | Before you can start betting, you need to sign up for an account with one of Germany bookmakers, so the first step is to decide which of the many available German betting sites you want to register with. Once you've chosen, visit the bookmaker's website – or use the mobile app – and navigate to the “sign up” or “register” button. During registration, you'll be asked to provide a username, password, email, full name, address, date of birth, and ID picture. Once you've completed the registration, you'll receive a verification link to your email, which you use to finalize setting up the account. |
| 💳 Step 2: Make a Deposit | With an account set up, you can now visit any of the free betting sites in Germany you've registered with, log in, and make your first deposit. Typically, most betting sites and betting apps in Germany have a separate “deposit” button, while with some, you'll have to first click on “account” and then “deposit”. When making a deposit, you'll be asked to pick your preferred payment method and input the desired amount of money you want to deposit. This step is very simple, and after you've completed it, it takes no longer than one minute to see the money in your betting account. Note that bank transfers can take longer. Before you deposit, remember the betting bonuses in Germany's bookmakers. Deposit bonuses shouldn't be ignored, as they're offered only to new customers, so if you miss it and make your first deposit, you won't be eligible for it later. It could harm especially those who have opened a new account for matched betting purposes. |
| ✅ Step 3: Place Your Bets | Once you have money in your betting account, all you can do is place your first bet. To do so, navigate the German bookie's markets, find the sport or league you want to bet on, pick the bet type, input the desired wager and place a bet. From finding a bookmaker to placing a bet in Germany, it takes no longer than a few minutes as long as you've done everything correctly. And from there, everything there's left to do is withdraw. |
| 💸 Step 4: Make a withdrawal | Making a withdrawal with any German bookies is extremely simple, and you'll follow very similar steps you took to make a deposit. Navigate to the cashier's tab, click on withdrawal, pick the preferred method, and input the desired amount, and you're done. It's worth noting 2 things. The time it takes for bookmakers in Germany to process your withdrawal will vary depending on your chosen withdrawal method. E-wallet withdrawals are the fastest, while bank transfers can take a few days. Another thing to know is that you won't be able to withdraw money before you complete the KYC verification, so it's advisable to do it as soon as you register to save you the hassle. Withdrawing from German bookies can also be done via many betting apps in Germany. |
How We Test and Review Sports Betting Germany Sites
Before we recommend German bookies to you, we first take the time to check their crucial aspects. Here’s a brief breakdown of our methodology to help you with your selection:
- Safety and licensing: The most important thing we look for is whether the German betting sites we review are safe and legit. To do that, we check existing user reviews, read their policies and T&Cs, and check for GGL or offshore licenses like the MGA or UK Gambling Commission.
- Betting odds: Adding to the security, we also check the odds and compare at least a few of our picks head-to-head. We only recommend platforms with the most competitive odds we can find, especially when it comes to prominent local events like Bundesliga games.
- Bonuses and promos: Betting bonuses and promotions are a huge plus, especially if you can find free bets, enhanced parlay odds, and similar offers. Also, we mainly focus on sportsbooks with generous sign up incentives and boosts for new users.
- Mobile optimization: The site’s functionality is another big factor determining a bookmaker’s value. To rate a site in this aspect, we check the overall layout and simplicity of placing a wager, as well as the availability of dedicated mobile apps and in-browser views.
- Customer support: Lastly, it’s wise to check the customer support, its responsiveness, and available support channels. Our recommended sites have it all – from live chat channels to email support and direct German phone lines.
Popular Bonuses & Promotions
All betting sites in Germany have bonuses and promotions, but the trick is to find bookies with the best offers. You can see how our experts do it and copy our steps to find the best ones.
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Germany's most common betting bonuses are welcome boosts, free bets, and various other promotions. The main type of welcome incentives on these sites includes a deposit match boost, which matches your initial deposit on the platform by a certain percentage.
For instance, a 100% welcome offer of up to €100 would give you another €100 in bonus money on top of your deposit. But, you should also note the bonus rules and wagering requirements to use it properly and get the chance to claim your winnings.
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is the most common type of boost you can get from German bookmakers. It can include a few different things, such as a deposit match, free wagering cash, or free bets.
However, the best online betting sites in Germany usually combine a few of them, giving you a chance to properly explore the operator’s odds and markets. You can see that by joining platforms like 22Bet with a 100% boost of up to €122, as well as some daily boosts and free bets on Wednesdays and Fridays. Another example is bet365, which gives you €50 worth of FB, so you can decide on which makes a better fit for your playstyle.
Free Bets in Germany
A free bet bonus can be offered as a part of the welcome bonus or a promotion, or more commonly, handed out to existing users. For instance, some incentives at bet365 and Betway give out free €5 reload wagers, while others do it on sign up only.
A distinctive type of this offer is a risk-free bet. If you place this one, you’d be required to use your own money, while the operator would give you a refund of the stake size in case you lose.
Betting Promotions
Most German betting sites offer promotions, but not all approach them similarly. Some bookies will have more reloads, while others have more generous extra bets and deposit deals.
Betting promotions can include everything, from free bets to reload bonuses, insurance, early cash outs, enhanced odds, cashback, and anything in between. It’s also worth noting that some sportsbooks offer unique prizes during big events. 20Bet and BetWinner are just some of them.
Germany Sports Betting Market Overview
| ⚖️ Is betting legal: | Yes |
| 📅 Sports Betting Legal Since: | 2021 |
| 🏢 Regulatory Body: | Depends on the state |
| 🧾 Taxation: | 5% |
| ⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on: | Football, Basketball, Handball |
| 🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: | Casinos, lotteries, bingo, poker |
| ⭐ Most Popular Sportsbooks: | FreshBet, PlayZilla, Ivibet |
| 🔞 Legal gambling age: | 18 |
Bet of the Day for Germany
Local punters have access to some of the world's best bookmakers with a variety of bet types and markets. Our team regularly goes through them to bring you the best choice of daily events for the country’s popular sports.
WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?
Whether you want to bet on football, volleyball, horse racing, table tennis, or anything in between, you can rest assured that the betting sites in Germany will have markets for it.
Bet on Sports
Betting on the country’s most popular sports, like football, handball, and basketball, is possible on nearly every single bookie. Some platforms like 22Bet and bet365 feature more than 40 different sports you can stake on, including virtuals and Esports.
Football Betting
Football is the most popular sport in Germany, allowing bettors to place their wagers on popular tournaments from the Bundesliga to the FIFA World Cup and EUROs. You can place your bets on popular teams like Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and VFB Stuttgart.
On top of that, you can punt on the German national team in the European Championship and the World Cup. But, besides local options, users can also stake on international events and leagues like the EPL, La Liga, the Italian Serie A, and others.
Basketball Betting
Basketball is extremely popular in Germany, and it’s one of the most bet-on sports at bookies. They feature extensive coverage of basketball leagues, from the NBA to the local Basketball Bundesliga. Sites recommended by our experts include a variety of basketball markets, from player props to halftime/full-time bets, match-winner odds, and outrights.
Handball Betting
Handball is another highly popular sport in Germany, mainly due to the success of the local and national teams' success. Although it’s still less popular than football, many bettors enjoy placing handball bets.
As with betting on other sports, German bookies tend to offer special promotions for the local league – Handball Bundesliga, the most popular handball competition. Yet, there's no shortage of betting markets on international tournaments.
Motorsports Betting
Motorsports are also very popular in Germany, especially MotoGP and Formula 1. The latter one is the more popular of the two, and you can punt on local native drivers like Sebastian Vettel, as well as the German Grand Prix held annually at the Nürburgring.
If you want to bet on F1, MotoGP, NASCAR, Rally, or anything in between, you can just join one of the recommended bookies.
Bet on Competitions
Germany is home to some of the world's biggest sports competitions. The most popular ones include the Bundesliga, Handball-Bundesliga, and the Basketball Bundesliga.
Although local tournaments and events are highly popular, you can also bet on other world-renowned sports leagues, including international tournaments like the World Cup, the NHL, the NBA, and MLB. You can also engage in MMA betting and other fighting sports.
Esports Betting
Esports betting in Germany is very popular and easily accessible since many local bookies offer markets on CS 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2. It’s also possible to find operators for a few other games, such as Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, or any other Esports titles.
German Politics Betting
One of the most unique options you will have in Germany is to bet on politics. While not all bookies offer such markets, and it’s only available during elections or other large political events, it’s still a fun alternative to have.
Due to the dynamic political landscape in the country, it's fairly easy to find betting markets on the next German chancellor, the elections, or other options.
New Betting Sites in Germany
Despite trying to enforce local betting licenses, the German gambling environment is still open to offshore sites. Such a diverse choice leads to a variety of new platforms emerging almost every month, and we’ll help you narrow it down to a few high-value options.
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The biggest advantage is that there are more websites where anyone can enjoy online betting in Germany and the generous bonuses and promotions these new websites offer. Typically, all sportsbooks entering a new market offer great bonuses and promotions to attract new bettors, and German punters can take advantage of it.
It’s also worth choosing new sites due to their generous welcome bonuses. At least while they’re still fresh on the local market, these bookies offer at least slightly more convenient bonuses than existing platforms. You can use that to your advantage and rack up your bankroll.
Established vs New Betting Sites in Germany
With so many options, it's fair to question if it's better to use local bookmakers in Germany or new betting sites. The truth is that it all depends on your playstyle and preferences. For instance, it’s easier to find safe and reliable platforms among bookies with a long tradition in the local market. However, new operators usually offer far more convenient sign up deals and more competitive odds.
So, whether you want to use renowned betting sites like Tipico or an international sportsbook like iBet depends entirely on what you value more. The same things apply to offshore bookies, regardless if they are new or experienced in the field. Of course, brands like bet365 are already popular worldwide, giving them more credibility compared to new international betting hubs.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Germany
Before placing your first bet in Germany, you must register for an account. To do that, you will need to use the following steps to find a suitable bookie:
- Look for safe and licensed sites: Finding a safe place to bet on is a crucial first step, and we recommend going with GGL-licensed sites. If you wish to join an offshore bookie instead, you should at least look for those with the MGA or Curacao license.
- Check the odds and markets: Besides ensuring that a bookmaker is safe and legal, it has to have competitive odds and diverse markets. You should look for sites with hundreds of options on popular sports like football and basketball, as well as dynamic in-play wagering odds.
- Explore bonus offers: The availability of free bets, promotions, and bonuses is also important. Some sites on our list offer specials and enhanced odds on select events, as well as parlay boosters and other specific promos.
- Look for mobile apps with in-play betting features: Other functions like live betting markets, match streaming, and in-play stats are also beneficial. Plus, it’s an added value if the site you’ve selected offers a dedicated mobile wagering app.
- Test the customer support responsiveness: Finally, you should put customer support channels to the test. These may include everything from live chat to email and phone support with German call numbers.
Odds Levels and Returns at Germany Bookies
The betting odds depend on the site, and they are pretty much different for every single sportsbook. It’s also a rare case for a bookie to offer competitive odds for certain sports and markets, only to fall behind for others. So, it can be difficult to find a one-fits-all solution with generous odds on all sports.
For example, SkyBet might have the best odds on Borussia Dortmund defeating Bayern Munich, but bet365 might have a better offer on the weekend's NBA match between the Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
Things can go the other way around as soon as the following week, so it can be a good idea to do some odds shopping. You can sign up on different bookmakers, and choose which one you wish to choose for particular sports and events based on their odds.
Deposit Methods at German Sportsbooks
Most betting sites in Germany do an excellent job with their banking department, giving local punters plenty of options to deposit money into their wagering accounts.
Some of the most popular deposit methods among German bookies include digital wallets like ApplePay and PayPal, as well as more traditional alternatives like bank transfers and credit/debit cards.
Withdrawal Methods at German Sportsbooks
Even though the available options will vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, it's fair to say that German sports betting sites generally have a very extensive selection of withdrawal methods. Our table below will show you the most commonly used ones:
PayPal Betting in Germany
PayPal is a very popular payment method among sports bettors, especially those who use legal betting sites in Germany. However, as convenient as it can be, not all domestic bookies support it, making it far less accessible than e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller.
Crypto Payments
Cryptocurrency payments have become popular in recent years, mainly due to their instant payment processing and higher privacy. However, they are mostly offered by offshore sportsbooks like Megapari and N1Bet. Local bookmakers in Germany still rarely support BTC, LTC, ETH, and other coins as a payment method.
Mobile Betting Sites & Betting Apps in Germany
Mobile betting is the most convenient way of placing bets online, and most of the operators we’ve recommended through this guide feature dedicated Android and iOS apps. While it’s also possible to access a mobile version of the site, dedicated apps are often much better in terms of optimization and smooth gaming experience.
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4.8
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Admittedly, not all sportsbooks have a mobile app available, so it’s a huge plus if the site you’re willing to join offers it. Some of the main features of wagering via an app include real time updating odds on in-play events, streaming, and live game stats.
German Live Betting & Streaming
Live betting is a great way for sports fans who enjoy watching a game or two to cash in on their knowledge and expertise. With dynamic changes in the odds, you can benefit from placing a wager at the right time of the game and, therefore, achieve much more competitive odds on the same event when compared to pre-match odds.
Besides more convenient odds, you can also use live streaming functions of many German bookies like Bet-at-home. With them, you can load an HD game feed via the app and watch as the action unfolds live.
User Experience and Functionality
When looking for a German sportsbook to join, you’ll want to prioritize online betting sites that offer features to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. These include mobile apps, easy-to-navigate layouts, one-tap bet slip management, and enhanced odds for special events.
Customer Support Mechanisms
Customer support is often overlooked when people rank bookmakers since you'll rarely need it when you bet online. But once you encounter a problem, you'll want solid customer support, reliable agents, and enough ways to get in touch, including email, phone number, live chat, and a ticket system.
The Reputation of the Bookmakers
When choosing a bookie, it's important to register only with those that are licensed and operate legally. But a betting license doesn't necessarily guarantee that the bookmaker is good.
That's why it's wise to check the sportsbooks' reputation by either checking online forums or reliable review sites that tell you whether the operator is good and not just safe to use.
Platform Security and Player Safety
Besides a valid license, a bookie worth joining should also have security features like SSL encryption and other security measures. To ensure maximum user safety, new platforms in 2025 also offer secure payment methods and even account verification without any KYCs.
Markets and Bet Types
The best betting sites in Germany all have plenty of betting markets and enough bet types for their customers to use. While competitive odds are important, it’s also crucial to be able to find a variety of options and bet types for lower-tier leagues like the Bundesliga 2.
Popular Bet Types in Germany
Most German bookies do an excellent job with their market coverage, especially big brands like bet365 and SkyBet. Likewise, they all offer plenty of bet types for punters to use, including everything from match-winner and outrights to player props, spreads, totals, and interval bets.
Spread Bet
Spread betting (or handicap gambling) is betting on a point spread or how much a team will win. Bookmakers will set the line (spread) based on the team's perceived strength and handicap one team, giving the underdogs an advantage.
For example, if Bayern Munich is expected to defeat Borussia Dortmund, a sportsbook could set the line at 1.5 goals, allowing you to decide whether Bayern will win by two or more or Borussia Dortmund will win, draw, or not lose by more than a goal.
Moneyline
Moneyline is the simplest bet you can place on any sport, as with it, you're simply predicting which team will win the match. It doesn't matter how much they win or how they do it; the only thing that matters is the final result.
Due to their simplicity, moneyline bets are also the most popular wager types in the world. Although moneyline works similarly to 1×2 bets, they're not alike. Moneyline has only 2 outcomes – Team A wins or Team B wins. Conversely, 1×2 bets have a different result, a draw.
Totals
Totals betting (or over/under) is another popular bet type used to predict whether a certain statistic in a game will exceed the predetermined amount. Most commonly, totals indicate the number of goals or points in any sports match.
For example, in a match between Liverpool and Chelsea, a bookmaker will set the totals line at 2.5, and then you get to predict whether the game will end with more or less than 2.5 goals.
Props
Props or proposition bets are special kinds of wagers that aren't directly related to the game's final outcome. As a form of side bets, props focus on specific events, such as certain players getting a yellow/red card or scoring on a particular match. Player props are especially popular for sports like basketball where you can bet on certain team members meeting the margin of scored points or assists.
Parlays
Parlays are not exactly a bet type, but they still fall into their category. A parlay is a single wager which combines multiple predictions into one. For example, you can bet on Liverpool to defeat Chelsea, the LA Lakers to defeat the Denver Nuggets by at least 10 points, and Sweden to beat Canada in ice hockey and combine the three picks into one parlay.
The main idea behind parlay bets is to combine multiple selections and multiply the odds. But, to hit a parlay, you’ll need to accurately predict all choices, making them a high-risk, high-reward type of bet.
International Betting Sites in Germany
As it stands now, the country doesn't have any strict laws to prevent international bookmakers from entering the local betting market. Even though the only legal betting sites in Germany hold a national license, anyone can use any available sportsbooks without problems.
Most of the betting in Germany is done via international platforms, which tend to have better odds, better bonus offers, and more generous promotions. The biggest concern of punters considering using offshore bookies is their safety. But, with world-renowned sites like bet365 and 888Sport, you can reap all the rewards without having to worry about their trustworthiness.
The Legal Situation of Sports Betting in Germany
The situation around online sports betting in Germany is quite interesting. Even though gambling and online betting are legal, only a handful of sportsbooks hold valid betting licenses issued by the GGL.
While bettors can use only a few locally licensed betting sites in Germany, you can easily register with any bookie and bet without concerns as long as you're at least 18 years old. Or at least 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
Gambling Legislation and Laws
Germany's main law regarding sports betting and online betting is the State Treaty on Gaming, which was accepted in 2021. It states that all bookmakers in this state need a local betting license to provide service to domestic punters. Even reputable betting licenses such as the MGA and the UKGC are not acceptable by the law, which adds an extra strain on bookmakers in the country to acquire a local license if they want to operate legally.
German Online Gambling Tax Laws
Germany has quite a unique approach to taxing online and land-based betting. Unlike many other states that only tax punters’ winnings, this one also charges tax on stake.
So, if you place a €100 bet, you've actually wagered €95 bet since the country takes a 5% tax from your original stake, regardless of whether you win or lose.
Responsible Gambling Organizations in Germany
Below, we provide some companies and organizations that operate in Germany and can help you in case you are struggling with gambling problems.
- Anonyme Spieler
- European Gaming and Betting Association
- GambleAware
- Gambling & Dependency Institute
- Gambling Therapy
Interesting Facts About Betting in Germany
- Unlike most other countries, Germany's betting tax (5%) is charged on the stake rather than winnings.
- It's legal to bet online in Germany if you're 18 years old across all states except in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland, where you must be 21 years old.
- According to The State Treaty on Gaming, all betting sites in Germany must have a local betting license – UKGC and MGA licenses don't suffice.
History and Future of German Gambling
Gambling and betting in Germany date back centuries and play a big role in its history. Two of the world's oldest casinos are in this country, including Casino Wiesbaden, the oldest gambling venue in the world, built in 1810.
The betting climate in Germany saw a huge shift during and after WW2, with casinos, which were previously closed, now permitted to operate under strict regulations – which were eventually removed in 1995.
Due to the free trade agreement, Germany was forced to allow both private companies and individuals to open gambling establishments, and from there, we could say that the rest is history.
Online betting in Germany is particularly interesting, as it was initially in complete control of the state until the EU stepped in 2006. Since then, the country has not accepted any clear laws regarding online sports wagering, which allows many sportsbooks to take advantage of the situation and offer their services to German bettors.
It's tough to say what Germany plans to do with its online betting landscape. The current situation favors punters, who have access to many bookmaker sites. Even with the new law that requires international operators to acquire a local license, wagerers won't be in a worse spot.
On the contrary, this could invite new bookies to open their doors in the country, helping the German online betting scene grow even further.
Germany Betting Overview
Before we leave you searching for the best bookmakers in Germany, we have to invite you to explore BetZillion's pathway to winning through a fact-based approach. The more you know about the country and its betting scene, the higher your winning chances are. Here are some interesting facts you might not have known about:
- Berlin is Germany's capital and the most populous city, followed by Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main.
- The official currency of Germany is the Euro, the most widely used currency for bettors to deposit into their betting accounts, ahead of crypto as an alternative option.
- German punters use the most popular online payment methods like PayPal, Trustly, Klarna, and Zimpler for sports betting.
- The most popular online bookmakers in Germany are bet365, N1Bet, William Hill, Spinanga, and 20Bet.
- The most popular sports in Germany are football, basketball, handball, and Esports.
- Germany is home to some of Europe's biggest and most popular leagues and competitions, including the Bundesliga, Handball-Bundesliga, Basketball Bundesliga, and the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC).
- Some of Germany's most popular and successful sports teams are Bayern Munich, Alba Berlin, THW Kiel, and SK Gaming.
- Germany has produced some of the world's best sports athletes, including Franz Beckenbauer, Oliver Kahn, Michael Schumacher, Alexander Zverev, and Henning Fritz.
- Germany has participated in most of the Olympic Games since 1986 and has hosted three.
- Germany has won the most Olympic medals out of all countries of the world in Canoeing (77), Equestrian (56), Luge (43), and Bobsleigh (32).
- Germany has attended the Olympics under five different designations – Germany, Saar, United Team of Germany, East Germany, and West Germany.
- Germany has a 5% tax on all betting stakes rather than on the winnings.
Bottom Line
After reading our all-in article on everything related to online punting in Germany, the only thing left for you is to head over and join one of our recommended bookies. If you still need some guidance, you can check BetZillion’s complete guides and in-depth reviews of each sportsbook to help you make up your mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you bet online in Germany?Yes, you can bet online in Germany on one of many online betting sites or via a betting exchange. Even though not many bookmakers are licensed, the online betting scene in Germany operates in the grey area, which makes it not illegal and easily accessible.
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Is online betting legal in Germany?Online betting in Germany is legal; however, only a handful of bookmakers hold an actual license. Nevertheless, the government has deemed online betting legal if you're at least 18 or 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
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Is football betting legal in Germany?Yes. Like all other forms of sports betting, football betting is legal in Germany as long as you're at least 18 years old or at least 21 in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland.
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How do I know that new betting sites in Germany are reliable?The best way to know whether a sportsbook is reliable is to check whether it has a good online reputation and is licensed. In Germany, only a few bookmakers hold a local license, but as long as you trust reliable sportsbooks, you don't have to worry about getting scammed.
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How can I deposit funds to my betting account in Germany?You can use many different deposit methods to fund your betting account on German betting sites; however, most people prefer crypto, PayPal, and e-wallets such as Trustly, Zimpler, and Klarna.
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How to bet and win in Germany?To bet and win in Germany, you must first sign up for an account with a solid bookmaker. Then it would help if you learned the basics, such as reading odds and having good research skills, to find substantial betting opportunities.
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Which is the best betting site in Germany?Germany has no best betting site; however, most local punters prefer to bet on known international sportsbooks such as Bet365, William Hill, N1Bet, and 22Bet.
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How to bet internationally from Germany?From Germany, you can access any sportsbooks that otherwise operate internationally. And since there are no local German betting sites, all the online betting activity is done via international sportsbooks, including Bet365, N1Bet, and William Hill.
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