In recent weeks, the German states of Bavaria, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Berlin have been preparing the ground for the introduction of a transitional regime for German online casino and sports betting operators.

According to a draft resolution that has been circulated among the states, “[O]perators shall be offered a transition to the regulations of the GlüStV 2021 to the extent that they actually already today adapt their business practice to the expected future legal situation and limit their offer accordingly. The operators must guarantee to comply with the already technically feasible requirements for player protection and the fight against gambling addiction.”

In exchange for compliance with future regulations, enforcement against unauthorized gambling offers will be redirected to “those operators who are likely to evade future regulation.”

According to the latest proposals, operators will have until October 15 to comply with the transitional regime – provided enough states decide to accept the draft resolution.