Germany’s Favorite Casinos

Laws governing casino operations in Germany were liberalized in 2008. In 2012, the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) 2012 put all games of chance under state monopoly and retained the earlier prohibition on online poker and online casino games. The 2012 treaty was not accepted by the state of Schleswig Holstein in Northern Germany, which allowed licenses for both online and offline gambling activities. However, by 2013, this independent state was also brought under the ISTG 2012 and the existing 23 licenses for sports betting and 13 licenses for online poker were allowed to continue but only offer online gambling options locally. Currently land-based casinos account for 7.11% of the market share in the industry.

Bad Homburg Casino

The prefix ‘bad’ stands for ‘bath’ and the town has been famous though the ages as a spa town. The first spa and casino were built here at the same time during 1842 by the Blanc brothers who were originally French. Guests could (and still can) enjoy the twin benefits of the therapeutic baths in the spa and playing in the casino as they are both in the same park space. When the Prussians shut the casino in 1872, the Blanc brothers already had a backup in the form of a license to operate a casino in Monte Carlo applied for in 1863. This is why the Casino Bad Homburg is also referred to as the ‘Mother of Monte Carlo.’ The casino has 14 gaming tables, including American and French roulette, blackjack and stud poker, and 150 slot machines as well. It is also home to the oldest golf club in Germany,

Casino Baden-Baden

More than 250 years old and once described as the most beautiful casino in the world by famous actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, Casino Baden-Baden is designed like a royal palace in the French style of architecture situated on the edge of the Black Forest. Built in 1824, the casino was popular among the French in its early years when gambling was illegal in neighboring France. Besides Marlene Dietrich, the casino is also famous for being a favorite of Russian authors Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Turgenev.

Berlin Casino Potsdamer Platz

Built on several floors, the most famous casino in Berlin offers classic games such as French roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker. The two underground levels of the building house 350 slot machines, including video slots, electronic roulette, electronic bingo, video poker, electronic blackjack and seven jackpot machines, one of which is the largest jackpot in Germany, the Berlin Jackpot. Interestingly, the dress code in the casino is informal but the Sternberg Theater on the first floor is anything but informal, having hosted numerous art and cultural events.

Dortmund Casino Hohensyburg

More than a million people frequent the Casino Hohensyburg in the Rurh area every year. This ensures that the casino enjoys the biggest turnover among all other casinos in Germany. It houses the award-winning restaurant Palm Garden. The casino is owned by the West Gaming Group which also owns Casino Aachen, Bad Oeynhausen and Duisburg. It offers roulette, American roulette, poker, punto banco, baccarat and blackjack. The casino also has around 300 slot machines.

Wiesbaden Casino

Wiesbaden is historically famous for its hot springs and the Kurhaus (cure house) complex which includes a spa, convention center and town social center. It is built in the neo-classical style with many famous artists contributing to the frescoes that adorn its walls. The building also has the longest hall supported by columns in Europe stretching 129 meters. This casino takes pride in considering itself the ‘stronghold of poker’ and hosts may local and international tournaments and events. This casino is also famous for allowing the highest roulette stakes in Germany.