Joined: May '08
Location: Germany
Age: 59 (M)
Posts: 6786
It is a bit in a grey area. German states have stepped up the laws against internet gambling. But it is more aimed at knocking out the rivals to the state owned lottery and sport betting system.
I don't think so... If German players are not allowed, all the UE players should be not allowed... Germany is in UE and i don't think there are any restrictions of this kind allowed as this could be against the free market competition... So actually i think it's impossibile...
Joined: Jul '08
Location: Sweden
Age: 45 (M)
Posts: 18
I hope they wont ban online poker cause that will send a message to other EU-countries and It wouldnt surprise me if Sweden then get the crazy idea and ban that here aswell...
Joined: Mar '08
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 44 (M)
Posts: 6714
Someone missing out on there share? Why try to push it underground, do they learn nothing, a bunch of idiots who know nothing about betting want to put a stop to it. Democratic dictatorship poping its ugly head up again, cus we cant decided what is good or bad, no we need to be told. This is what hitler wanted (ok not quite but same lines) we shall all conform, we shall work for govonment, we shall have no voice nor mind. Why dont they just do what they do best, nothing.
Joined: Sep '07
Location: United States
Age: 70 (M)
Posts: 1
I sure hope this is just some kind of propaganda, I've met some very nice people while playing poker in the middle of the night and that's when lots of German players are online. I will never understand why, if gambling is legal in any particular country, then internet poker should be legal as well or it's discrimination. Is Germany going back behind the curtain again??
IT`s still allowed to play online Poker or Casino games in Germany. But they was trying to ban it. Same with online games. Germany is the only country in the world what censored COD5. ( No big thing, I purchased it in he UK LoL)
The politicians are going mad, and try everytime to tell us what is good or what is bad for us...
Playing online poker is considdered illegal in Germany as of January 1st 2008. A new law ( called "Glücksspiel-Staatsvertrag ) has been established and makes all gambling illegal that is not having a license by the state.
I don't think so... If German players are not allowed, all the UE players should be not allowed... Germany is in UE and i don't think there are any restrictions of this kind allowed as this could be against the free market competition... So actually i think it's impossibile...
This is the big question. The new law might be in conflict with EU-Law, but until there is no decission about this from a european court it is illegal to play online poker ( for real money ). It is also not sue if a license given by another state might be enough. So big poker sites that are regulated by the authorities of Malta for example have a license, but as of now the german government only accepts its own licenses.
Courts will have to decide. In the meantime everybody keeps playing and I havent heard of someone being charged for playing online poker.
But in general it is right: Online Poker for money is illegal in Germany! You can see that in the poker ads on TV. All big poker sites have opened a second domain on which ONLY playmoney games are held. SInce no money is involved it is not considdered gambling and so these domains can be advertised in germany while an ad for the domains with real money games are not allowed.
Joined: Jun '08
Location: Italy
Age: 41 (M)
Posts: 411
Italy has also forbidden online unouthorized poker sites, but the problem is only about the rooms, not the player. More this law goes against several UE directives then: who cares? lol
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Croatia
Age: 47 (M)
Posts: 1308
Even if the country is in EU it does not meant that all laws are same in entire EU. Countries still have unique laws but i think that laws regarding free market ARE same for all countries. We will see what will come out of this, if they ban online gambling then it is time for me to move to Isle of Man, i saw there is opening spot at local gym teacher and organizer for junior sporting events.
Joined: Mar '08
Location: Australia
Age: 49 (M)
Posts: 1158
wow thats realy insane,i always playing alot of german players,thats gunna ht the sites pockets if thats the case,or are the government gunna set up there own sites.
