Best Betting Sites In Germany

The country boasts a rich sports history, complemented by the best betting sites Germany can offer. The dominant gambling scene attracts over 5.4 million players, with a significant 84.05% of them participating in online betting sites in Germany. 50% opt for international platforms, which pose no restrictions.

Under the latest regulation of 2021, live betting and selected markets are restricted on locally licensed sites, something that severely limits any serious bettor. On the other hand, offshore bookmakers cater to a global audience, meaning an extensive range of markets with competitive odds and a rich live betting section is a must.

In this guide, you will find the best betting sites in Germany, a complete overview of the regulation with tax insights, and the latest sports trends in betting. Here are the top 3 brands for German players:

How do local and international bookies differ in Germany?

Bookmaker Comparison Category	Local Licensed	International
Licensing	Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)	Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators
Payment Methods	Paypal, Klarna, and local bank transfers	Klarna, Credit Cards, Cryptocurrencies and 30 more methods
Deposit Limit	€1,000 / month	No Limits
KYC Verification	Mandatory	Depending on the Bookmaker
Taxation	5% on Stakes	No Taxation

Going through our bookmaker comparison, we can quickly see how international bookies differ in all categories from DE-licensed brands. In the following list, you can find the top sites for German players, accessible without restrictions or betting limitations. Here's the full list.

Which Are The Best German Betting Sites?

How We Rate The Best Sports Betting Sites In Germany

Given the challenges that local online bookies face, our attention when searching for alternatives is focused on 6 key factors that elevate the game of German players and give you every tool needed to win. This is what we focus on when searching for the top sports betting sites in Germany.

Reliability

The online sports betting sites' certificates and testimonials can tell a great deal about their reliability. We look up whether operators have valid licenses from renowned gaming authorities. Recommended sites can be authorized with the European Union or with other offshore commissions like Curacao, Kahnawake, or Anjouan.

Localization

The first thing we check is how friendly a sportsbook is for native bettors. German is a must-have language, as it is the second most used in Europe. Every part of the interface should be flawlessly translated, while a German-speaking customer support is a plus. Lastly, payments in Euro and unique offers for the Bundesliga, as well as local leagues, get extra points in our rating.

Odds and Markets

Having a plethora of markets is essential for correct selections when betting. You will find up to 400+ markets for the Bundesliga and all the major European leagues on our chosen sites, all offered at odds exceeding 93%. We also ensure that top competitions, such as the NBA, Euroleague, HBL, and Champions Hockey League, have sufficient options and daily boosted prices.

Live Betting

This is another must-have. Given that Live Betting is not part of DE-licensed bookies, we only consider sites that allow in-play wagering and have all the accompanying features. This is another area where markets play a significant role, and you're expected to find over 200 markets on Live events.

Features

Live Streaming, Cash Out, and Bet Builder are the cornerstones of betting. We make sure all bookmakers on our list come with these and plenty more features, such as Auto Cash Out, Multiple Live Feeds, and In-Game Stats. These allow for a smooth pre-match and in-play session and widen your betting capabilities.

Payments

Credit cards, PayPal or Sofort, it's your choice. The top betting sites in Germany feature all the aforementioned methods and allow you to deposit and withdraw instantly without the €1,000 limit. On top of that, we test all methods and report accurate transaction times, so you don't have to find the hard way.

Terms

Finally, we never choose a site without fair terms and conditions. We ensure that all bookmakers have no hidden surprises in the fine print, and will give you a smooth session. KYC, responsible gambling and bonus terms are the top areas we check for red flags and include in our reviews.

Bonus and free bets

Our bookmaker reviews feature specialized articles on welcome bonuses and other sports promotions. We check the minimum deposit, bonus wagering requirements, and variety of accepted deposit methods that qualify for offers. You can also use the sorting tools for the list on this page to select the online sportsbooks based on their welcome packages.

Customer support

The best online betting sites Germany has to offer will strive to provide 24/7 customer service in the local language. There is no shortage of online bookmakers offering German as a website language, but those with qualified human agents who do not need translator programs earn our full score.

What Are The 5 Top Betting Sites Germany Has?

We selected the best online betting sites that accept Germans. It is worth noting that Tipico, Interwetten, Bet-at-home, Admiral, NEO.bet, Winamax, CrazyBuzzer, and Tipwin are all valid options with a local license. Yet, if you want access to a world-class sportsbook, you must check these popular betting sites that offer competitive odds and excellent features:

22bet - Extensive markets and high Bundesliga odds

22bet is one of the biggest offshore sportsbooks worldwide, offering over 50 sports, unbeatable markets and popular sports tools. It has some of the highest betting odds in Germany for the Bundesliga, basketball, and hockey, to name a few. National star Kevin Kuranyi serves as its brand ambassador. 

Top leagues deliver 98% payouts, and secondary leagues average above 94.5%. New German bettors are eligible for a higher-than-average welcome bonus. You can find abundant sports offers once you are done rolling the first-deposit bonus. 

The bookmaker is available in many localized languages and currencies. You can set your account to Austrian and Euro. The most popular payments are Cards, Skrill, Revolut, Klarna, and crypto.

1xbet - Exhaustive sports betting markets with mobile betting apps

1xbet is a user’s favorite, as it provides competitive sports offerings such as enhanced odds, advanced functionalities, and consecutive rewards. The website is offered in German, and it has the Euro currency. The brand has even developed a top-notch mobile betting app. Unfortunately, it is blocked in the country, and only German expats living abroad can access it.

1x2 markets, handicaps, and totals give an overall payout above 95%, and the coverage on local leagues and secondary divisions is comprehensive. You can watch Live Streaming for a large number of events, and the platform is offered in dozens of languages and local currencies. The bookmaker is also versatile in its payment methods. 

The welcome bonus for sports is eligible to claim via online payments like bank wires, cards, e-wallets, and crypto tokens. 1xbet has fast withdrawal times and high limits when you opt for processors like Skrill, Jeton, Neteller, and Binance Pay. 

20bet - Top online bookmaker with popular deposit methods

20bet is an established bookie that has been consistently providing high odds and innovative betting tools. The website brings users free Live Streaming and cash-out options on most wagers. 

Star-packed matches have detailed player props, alternative lines, and an overall payout of 94%. You can find daily boosted odds on German football, which is already providing 95.5% on main stakes. 20bet boasts flexibility and versatility. It has popular German payment methods like Flexepin and Jeton, and 12 crypto tokens. 

In addition, it has 20+ languages and currencies in most countries where it operates. While the native application is similar worldwide for iOS and Android, the welcome bonus varies from one localization to another. Ensure to read the applicable terms of the promotions.

N1bet - Offshore bookie with German focus

N1 is the leading brand powered by the cutting-edge SoftSwiss platform. It is mostly known for its competitive offering in US and EU sports, delivering 95.5%+ on Moneyline, Spreads, and Totals in featured leagues. 

You can find regular price and ACCA boosts on the NBA, NHL, UEFA CL, and Tennis. The bookie is sought for its bustling eSports section, especially in Counter-Strike wagers, tournaments, and freebets. The welcome package is a free bet bonus, which can easily double your initial top-up. 

The operator is not available in many countries, but Germans can set it in the local language and currency. Although licensed offshore, it accepts payments from banks like Sparkasse and Volksbanken Raffeisen. Otherwise, you can transact with cards or crypto.  

Powbet- Immersive localization experience

Powbet can be considered a hidden gem, as it has been around for quite a while, offering unique coverage in select leagues. It offers live streaming of niche sports, such as Turkish basketball. 

Popular bets across many sports have payouts of up to 96%, especially for 1X2, Handicaps, and Over/Under. Secondary bets have considerably lower payouts. The bonus is enhanced for German bettors, and you must roll five times on stakes with 2.00 odds for singles and 1.50 for multis. 

You can deposit and bet with Deutsche Bank, Visa, Mastercard, Jeton, or a crypto-to-fiat ramp. Revolut is available for withdrawals. Powbet offers an immersive, localized experience for German bettors looking for a no-frills bookmaker.

What You Need To Know About Online Betting in Germany

Active Players	Legal Age	Local Currency	Player Protection
5,400,000+	18+	Euro	OASIS Self-exclusion System, Loss Display, Strict Bet Limits, Reality Checks

What is the history of betting in Germany?

Although gambling in ‘The People's Land' has been going on for decades, it definitely doesn't come easily for its people. From 2012 to 2021, online betting in Germany reached its peak, operating in a ‘grey' area despite the Bundesweite Wettlizenz, the first-ever nationwide betting license system.

This provided more opportunities for both players and bookies. Still, that period only lasted until the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (or ISTG) was passed by the German government in 2021 to regulate and clamp down on online gambling for good. It started as a coalition between 16 federal states to unify the gambling laws. The authority issues nationwide licenses and establishes regulations, including deposit limits.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Germany?

The ISTG made online sportsbooks and casinos legal in 2021 for all operators who obtain a local license. In 2022, GGL became the sole regulator. Players must be at least 18 years old, except in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saarland, where the age limit is 21. There is also the Schleswig-Holstein region, which became the first to provide a regional online license, as the law permits.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Another interesting point can be raised around the betting tax. As a rule of thumb, players must pay a 5,3% tax on all stakes rather than the winnings. So, for example, if you place a €10 bet on 3.00 odds, your actual stake will be €9.47 (€0.53 deducted). If your wager wins, you will receive €28.41 instead of € 30.

In some cases in Germany, betting sites might deduct the tax pre-stake, regardless of whether your bet wins or loses. Nonetheless, you can still find bookmakers in Germany without the 5,3% tax. Sites like 22bet will absorb it. Others will only impose it on won wagers or lower the payout.

What are the limitations of local betting sites in Germany?

The ISTG is very strict when it comes to betting and imposes a series of restrictions on any sportsbook that decides to obtain a local license. In DE licensed bookmakers, you won't find any live betting option, as it's prohibited by the regulation, and betting markets will be significantly less. Every sportsbook can only offer a list of selected markets, which is far from the ideal scenario for any serious bettor.

On top of that, deposits are limited to €1,000 per month, in an effort to minimize money laundering schemes and propose a safer gambling environment. It doesn't take much to understand that local sites are not worth the hassle.

Can I access the best sportsbooks outside the country?

Joining international sportsbooks doesn't have any implications for bettors. The regulators would rather penalize the brands operating in the country, which means you can join the best sports betting sites in Germany freely.

While some brands can impose the 5% betting tax, significantly impacting your strategy, there are many offshore operators who accept local players without any restrictions.

Betting exchange in Germany

This is an excellent alternative for those who do not like wagering against the house. Online betting exchanges allow you to compete against other players by charging a small commission. Unfortunately, at this moment, two of the biggest exchange sites, Betfair and Matchbook, do not welcome German bettors.

In addition, due to the limited liquidity, Betwinner and 1xbet elected to close down their exchange section. For that reason, we recommend choosing one of the best betting sites in Germany from our list above and waiting for one or more of the biggest exchanges to acquire a local license and open their gates once again.

Can You Use Betting Apps in Germany?

Regarding betting in Germany, you can find multiple sportsbooks with Android and iOS mobile betting options. Among the best ones, we have 22bet. Note that ratings on the German App Store or Google Play may differ due to the integration of the local language; however, all betting apps must comply with DSGVO regulations for data security.

What Are The Most Popular Sports For Betting In Germany?

Doubling from €6.14 billion in revenue in 2016 to €13.7 billion in 2023, online betting has grown among German gamblers. With features like Cash Out and Bet Builder, sports betting in Germany is now easier than ever, eliminating the hassle of visiting a physical shop. In the following section, we will cover the hottest sports you can find in the country, along with key markets and features.

Football Betting in Germany

No surprise here, football is the king of German sports. While the local league deserves a sole mention in terms of football betting, international competitions like the Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, and other events for the national team get great coverage.

More specifically, Player Specials, tens of Corners and Team Stats, along with classics such as WDW, Goals Over/Under, Half Time Bets and Combos, are only some of the markets you will find on our selected sportsbooks. Add a feature-stacked live betting session, and all your needs are covered in one go.

Bundesliga strategy for betting

Bundesliga, the national competition, is among the top 5 leagues in the world, attracting great betting volumes locally and from Austria and Switzerland. It provides some unique betting markets, such as big handicaps when Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund play bottom league teams. Our tips and predictions also cover combo and O/U markets for the most notable clashes.

Known for historic teams such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig, locals have a strong passion for football, and this is evident in the hundreds of markets you will find for the Bundesliga on German bookies.

Handball betting in Germany

Having its origins in Germany and Denmark, Handball is the second-favourite sport in the country, with a rich, winning history. Handball Bundesliga (HBL) is the biggest competition in the country, with 18 teams. Füchse Berlin and SC Magdeburg also make their appearance in the EHF, the European Handball Champions League, as the top 2 teams in the HBL standings.

If you want to try your luck on HBL or EHF, the top online bookmakers in Germany have you covered with over 20 markets per match. Totals, Handicaps, Half Time, and Team bets with multiple selections are available for Handball bettors.

Ice hockey betting in Germany

Popular in the northern part of the country, ice hockey is another one that makes the lists of Germany's favourite sports. The two biggest leagues are the national DEL and the European-wide Champions Hockey League, where 3 teams (Berlin, Straubing and Bremerhaven) represent the DEL.

Both competitions, along with secondary divisions, are covered fully by German bookmakers. You can add markets like WDW, Totals, Team and Period Specials to your betslips or get into the action with minute-specific bets for a higher adrenaline session.

Basketball Betting in Germany

Finally, Basketball doesn't go unnoticed by Deutsch sports betting fans. Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) has traditionally been an exciting competition and a factory of top teams. Arguably more popular than BBL, though, is Euroleague, which hosted its 2024 Finals at Mercedes-Benz Arena, home of Alba Berlin. Besides Alba, Bayern Munich also competes in the Euroleague.

Basketball is among the top 5 most in-demand sports in online sportsbooks, where you can bet on hundreds of Player Props, Team Stats and Combo Bets, among others. Livestreaming and stats feed will help you follow your favourite BBL, Euroleague, NBA, Eurocup or Champions League match and make bank.

How To Bet Online In Germany? - Step By Step

If you want to bet from Germany, setting up an account with an international bookmaker is the way to go. Below, you can find all the steps needed to get started in just a couple of minutes.

1. Find A Bookie: This is the rather easy part of the process. Check our dedicated list of German sportsbooks and find which one suits you best. The options range from traditional bookies to crypto sites, all stacked with the latest features and sporting events you need. Feel free to sort by Bonus value if finding a banger offer is your thing.
2. Signup: Next, click our link to take you to the official site and register. The process is often similar across betting sites and requires you to enter your Name, Email and Password. Once set up, check your inbox and verify your email so you don't miss out on any juicy offers. Remember, our bookies don't share your information with the authorities as local sites do.
3. Deposit: Log back into your account and click the big Deposit button. Here you can choose between many familiar payment methods such as VISA, PayPal or Klarna. There are over 20 payment options to choose from, so depositing and withdrawing won't be a problem even for the most niche bettors.
4. Get Bonuses: Even with your minimum deposit, remember to activate your Welcome Bonus. These offers are a great way to boost your starting balance, since you can match your deposit up to 250% or gain extra Free Bets, Rakeback and other rewards.
5. Start Playing: Now it's your time to shine. Go down the sports or live section and start wagering on your favourite teams. In case you need a little boost or ideas, our Bundesliga betting predictions are available from our tipsters to grow your winning bag.

Which Are The Most Popular Payment Methods For German Bettors?

The rise of online gambling has made operators up their game. To fully cater to their local fanbase, bookmakers in Germany accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna and other popular payment methods besides the classic VISA or bank transfers. There are countless alternatives available, so let's dive in and see what you can expect.

Local and international payment solutions

• Card payments: The good ol' card transactions are not a thing of the past. In fact, Visa betting sites are still thriving as they cross the bridge between generations of bettors. VISA / Mastercard is the simplest way to top up your account and is widely available in all major online sportsbooks.
• SEPA transfers: Germany's betting sites use SEPA transfers for deposits and withdrawals with a bank account, often with payment processors to speed up transactions. The method is mostly used on the locally licensed online sports betting sites.
• PayPal: The First alternative method for German bettors is PayPal. According to recent studies, it is used in 81% of online transactions as it allows seamless transactions with added security. Paypal betting sites are a great option if you want to keep your banking information discreet and bet on the go.
• Klarna: Initially known as Sofort, Klarna is a transaction method you will most likely come across on all German betting sites. Klarna betting sites offer lightning-speed transactions and safety. Besides the euro, you can deposit in multiple other currencies. Unlike e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, you can always use Klarna to unlock the Welcome Bonus.
• Giropay: It was a popular method among German bettors, as it counted over 45 million German users. Unfortunately, after its dissolution in late 2024, Giropay bookmakers have removed the option from their banking sections, meaning alternative options have to be used.
• PaysafeCard: As a prepaid voucher, Paysafe is no longer commonly used by sports betting operators, but you can still find many bookies that accept this mobile payment solution. It is a popular e-wallet among German residents, and bettors can qualify for bonuses and free bets when they use it for deposits.

Additional fees for betting-related payments

From March 1, 2024, onwards, all card payments connected to gambling, whether that is online betting sites, casinos or lotteries, will have an additional 3% fee or a minimum of €3 per transaction.

Effectively, this means every time you deposit or withdraw money from a German betting site, an extra €3 or 3% will be charged. This is a serious hit for recreational players without big budgets, as it severely hinders their bankroll and winnings. There are alternatives, though.

Can I bet with crypto at top bookmakers in Germany?

The recent rise of cryptocurrencies has created more opportunities for German bettors. While you won't find Bitcoin or other tokens in your local betting shops, offshore crypto bookmakers will accept your deposits without any fees (besides network) or additional bank statements, while offering top-notch odds and all the markets you need.

It is worth noting that cryptos are considered ‘private assets' and their trade is a taxable event, meaning that buying and selling should be reported with your financial statements at the end of the year.

How to deposit more than €1,000?

Currently, the monthly limit of €1,000 cannot be overridden in German bookmakers. If you would like to bet more than that, you'd have to create multiple accounts, which makes it easier for the state & banks to monitor you and slow your game.

On the other hand, new bookmakers that operate internationally allow you to deposit up to 6 figures in one go and withdraw any amount without additional fees or hiccups.

What Does The Future Hold For Betting In Germany?

Although the current situation might work to the bettors' benefit, we remain uncertain about the lawmakers' motives. Indeed, having many options among strictly regulated bookmakers is positive. However, we have to look closely at why this has happened. Although the legal structure seems rigid, things are looking more positive for international German betting sites.

Consequently, the new legislation that will allow foreign operators to obtain gambling licenses is not only uncertain to be ratified by the Bundestag, but will also limit the number of gaming halls inside the country. In our opinion, Germany should look up to Britain's example and try to intervene only when the players' safety is at stake.

Local online betting culture

The online betting industry has significantly impacted the local culture, with new sites offering new betting opportunities daily. The local authorities do not put many restrictions on players, who can freely pursue betting markets, promotions, and other offerings on foreign operators.

However, local sites can offer responsible gambling that makes sense, coupled with the popular sports in the country. Football has a 70% dominance in betting volume, with a significant portion going to the Bundesliga, where live betting is experiencing the most growth.

Lastly, as for payments, the German society still prefers to use cash for gambling, but the adoption of new digital solutions might see players shift to global brands.

Gambling regulations in neighbouring countries

• Austria: Each of the nine states in the country has its own variations when it comes to gambling. However, the new Regulatory Authority is bound to create a specific set of laws that all must follow. As of right now, winnings are not taxed, but players must pay a 2% fee for every wager they place on Austrian betting sites.
• Switzerland: Even though there is a monopoly in the country, run by Swisslos, the online gambling scene is pretty flexible. Users are relatively free to sign up and play on an increasing number of international Swiss betting sites with minimal supervision.