How do German taxation laws affect online gaming?

What areas are affected by German taxation laws?

German regulations affect:

• Cash game stakes
• Rake
• Tournament formats
• Sit & Go availability
• Cash game restrictions

 

How are cash games affected in Germany?

Cash game stakes and rake for players in Germany differ from other countries.

What are the highest cash game stakes available in Germany?

The highest available stakes for the cash games are:

• No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and other No Limit/Pot Limit games: €1/€2
• 6+ Hold’em: €2/€2
• Tempest: €1/€2.50/€5
• Fixed Limit games: €3/€6

How does rake work for players in Germany?

For most No Limit and Pot Limit games, rake for players in Germany is approximately 25% higher than in other countries.

Rake remains the same for:

• Fixed Limit games
• 6+ Hold’em
• Tempest games

Players in Germany still play in the global player pool.

When a hand ends:

1. Standard rake is calculated
2. An additional fee is applied if the winning player is located in Germany

This additional fee does not affect players outside Germany.

 

What is Pool Block?

Pool Block limits very short cash game sessions.

After joining a table, you may need to play a minimum number of hands before leaving without triggering a restriction.

 

What happens if Pool Block is triggered?

If Pool Block is triggered:

• A temporary penalty period applies
• You cannot rejoin cash games during the restriction period

 

What other cash game restrictions apply in Germany?

Additional restrictions include:

• Pool Block applies to all cash games
• GBP cash games are not available

 

How are tournaments affected in Germany?

Some tournament formats and buy-ins are restricted for players located in Germany.

 

What tournament restrictions apply in Germany?

The following restrictions apply:

• Maximum Spin & Go buy-in: €50
• Heads-Up Sit & Go’s are not available
• Most Satellite Sit & Go’s are not available
• Several Hyper-Turbo Sit & Go’s are not available
• T€ Trade is disabled

Most Turbo and Regular Speed Sit & Go’s remain available.