Ramer à Angers
Loisirs
Which payment methods are most commonly used by Germans in online casinos?
The renewed State Treaty on Gambling is proving to be both a blessing and a curse for German online casino players. On the one hand, PayPal is making a comeback. On the other hand, the GGL has deprived players in foreign casinos of established payment options by blocking payments.
Anyone who stops at German gaming venues for PayPal, Skrill and Paysafe will be offered hundreds of slots from German-speaking developers, but blackjack, roulette and jackpots are prohibited according to the GlüStV, so are not included in the range of games.
German players have to decide: PayPal or live casino? Paysafe or video poker? The following text is about the most popular payment methods in Germany, with comments on the advantages and limitations.
German online casinos offer a wide variety of payment methods, each designed to suit different user needs and ensure seamless transactions. Secure payment options like e-wallets and bank transfers are common, providing peace of mind for players. However, alongside choosing a payment method, it’s crucial to understand why online casinos request identification documents. This process, as outlined in this article, reinforces security, preventing fraud and ensuring legal compliance. By combining knowledge of payment choices and the need for identity verification, players can enjoy a safer and more transparent gaming experience.
PayPal and other e-wallets
According to the company, around 32 million people in Germany have a PayPal account. For years, however, the payment service could not be used in online casinos - due to the lack of regulation of the gambling market in Germany. This changed in 2021. Shortly afterwards, PayPal returned.
Before 2021, players from Germany increasingly switched to e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller in foreign casinos. The e-wallets mentioned can now only be found in casinos with a GGL license. This is because the Joint Gambling Authority of the States actively engages in payment blocking. This means that the GGL writes to payment services and asks them to block transactions in foreign online casinos.
If an online casino accepts PayPal or Skrill, it is very often licensed by the GGL. Only through indirect routes, for example via the crypto exchange Utorg, do casinos with foreign licenses manage to integrate Skrill again.
Paysafecard: Buy locally, top up online
Paysafecard: Buy locally, top up onlineThe Paysafecard is a 16-digit voucher with a value between €5 and €100. The vouchers are available in local retail stores, for example at petrol stations. Paysafecard is the most common prepaid card in online casinos in Germany.
The advantages of a Paysafe casino are obvious. If you don't have an e-wallet and don't like to pay by bank transfer, you can remain anonymous with the Paysafecard. In some online casinos, players can now request withdrawals with Paysafecard. However, this is admittedly a problem with the payment method. Many casinos switch to bank transactions for withdrawals.
If the casino pays out with Paysafecard, players absolutely need an account with myPaysafe. It is not technically possible to recharge the credit card yourself. MyPaysafe is comparable to an e-wallet, Paysafe vouchers top up the account there.
Classic via bank account: Sofort and Giropay
Sofortüberweisung and Giropay are German payment service providers that speed up online transactions. Unlike with independently carried out online bank transfers, players do not have to wait for casinos to confirm receipt of the money. Instead, Klarna, Giropay or Trustly approve the transaction. In other words: players can place bets immediately.
In some German online gaming halls, the account can be verified with Sofort Ident. During this process, players log in to online banking as usual and at the same time grant Sofort GmbH the right to view the account and confirm their identity. The reason why this works: Personal data is stored in the online banking account. Instead of taking a photo of the ID card, Sofort Ident intrudes less on the privacy of the players.
Top up your casino account with a credit card
Top up your casino account with a credit cardVisa and Mastercard are widely used in Germany. It is correct to note that most Germans have a debit card from one of the providers. Unlike credit cards, these cards do not have a credit limit. If the bank account is empty, payments cannot be made with the debit Mastercard or Visa Debit.
While the widely used Girocard is accepted for card payments in the supermarket, it is useless in online casinos. The situation is different with debit cards. Casinos agree to deposits in this way without causing problems for players.
Mobile payment methods: Apple and Google Pay
Some e-wallets such as Paylado, which are finding their way into German casinos, require a smartphone. Depending on the operating system, either Apple Pay or Google Pay prevails. Apple Pay can be used in several German casinos. Google Pay casinos, on the other hand, are more difficult to track down. The payment provider does not seem to have penetrated German-licensed gaming venues yet.
What makes the mobile payment options so attractive: transactions can be processed with credit cards, PayPal or via the mobile phone provider. The payment method can therefore almost always be used without making registration with a third-party provider a condition.
Payment methods in German online casinos are designed to provide security and convenience, from e-wallets to traditional bank transfers. To make the most of your deposits, maximizing casino bonuses is key, allowing players to get extra value. For strategies on how to optimize your bonuses, refer to this guide. Understanding payment options and bonus strategies together can enhance your overall online casino experience.
Cryptocurrencies can only be used in foreign casinos
Cryptocurrencies can only be used in foreign casinos Although the GGL deliberately keeps e-wallets and payment institutions such as Klarna away from foreign casinos by blocking payments, the supervisory authority is frighteningly silent when cryptocurrencies are on the agenda. The fact is: Bitcoin, Ethereum and so on are nowhere to be found in GGL-licensed casinos. In Germany, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender. This may explain why casinos with German licenses do not accept deposits with BTC, LTC or DOGE.
Since an estimated 13% of German citizens hold cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin casinos are in high demand. Many German players register in Curaçao casinos that are considered illegitimate but accept cryptocurrencies. Curaçao has now greatly improved regulation and is more convincing in its commitment to player protection. Nevertheless, when registering in casinos with a European license, there is a residual risk that winnings will not be paid out.
Unlike in this country, casinos with cryptocurrencies offer casino classics such as roulette. Progressive jackpots and live dealer games can also be discovered. Players can sometimes place bets in the desired cryptocurrency. This avoids frustrating experiences due to unfavorable exchange rates when depositing and withdrawing.