SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
LeoVegas AB is gearing up to join Germany’s ‘GlüNeuRStv’ interstate gambling regime, having been granted licence authorisation by the Federal Gambling Authority, Gluecksspiel (GGL).
The Stockholm-listed online gambling group informed investors this morning that it had been granted a GGL-authorised licence to “offer and market slots nationwide across Germany”.
The statement read: “Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has granted LVSports Limited, an entity of LeoVegas Group, a new gaming license, enabling the Group to start offering virtual slot machines across all sixteen German states and conduct nationwide marketing.”
This January, the GGL took control of governing the GlüNeuRStv regime, overseeing its policy development, licensing controls, market monitoring, disputes and operator conduct.
The newly installed regulator declared that it was processing a backlog of 50 operators that had applied for online slot games and poker licences, under the authority of Saxony Anhalt – the Bundesland which served as licensing authority for online casinos during the transition phase of the GlüNeuRStv.
Further developments saw the GGL announce that it had approved 600 permits (out of 3,500) for individual games to service online slot games and poker licences.
Elsewhere, German operators continue to pressure the GGL to revise the GlüNeuRStv 5.3% turnover tax on online slots and poker stakes, and its €1 limit on slot stakes.
Securing its GGL licence, LeoVegas outlined: “This is a significant opportunity for the Group that provides access to Europe’s largest igaming market.”
Group CEO Gustaf Hagman remarked:” We are looking forward to launching LeoVegas in Germany under the new nationwide license. With our track record of regulated markets, we will ensure the greatest igaming experience with a high level of consumer protection.”
