To many, Schleswig-Holstein is known simply as the northernmost state in Germany. However, those involved with the gambling industry see this state in a different light. Last year, the state took the necessary steps towards legalizing online poker.
Despite the efforts by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to pass a bill repealing the state’s online gambling law, it appears that Schleswig-Holstein has come out on top.
Here is an update from well known industry analyst, Daniel Stewart & Co:
“The bill was not successful and as a result we believe S-H will proceed with accepting and processing license application with the view to issue the first online license in the near future. This is good news for German facing operators in our view.”
If this bill would have passed (or something changes in the future) Schleswig-Holstein could have joined forces with the 15 other German states, all of which are seeking to ban online poker and casinos, impose a five percent tax on sports betting, and limit the number of licenses to 20.
At this time, Schleswig-Holstein is the only state that has decided to branch out on a quest to pass less restrictive legislation.