A German state insists it cannot adopt the rules and regulations included in the Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty (GlüNeuRStv) as it is not prepared yet to regulate online casinos.
Online Casinos Not Needed in Meck-Pomm
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Meck-Pomm), one of Germany’s 16 federal states, is refusing to implement the new treaty because of its legislative implications. State Chairman René Domke said it would be impractical for them to adopt the new laws as they currently don’t see any need for online casino operations in the state.
GlüNeuRStv, which took effect in July 2021, legalized online casino and poker in Germany. Under the new regime, each state may offer online casino and poker as a monopoly via their respective state lotteries. In states where lotteries don’t offer such games, they are allowed to issue licenses to a limited number of operators.
Meck-Pomm Rejects New Gaming Laws
Domke told the Federal Ministry of the Interior they are under no obligation to obey the new rules as they have yet to decide whether or not to regulate online casinos. Hence, Meck-Pomm maintains its position not to adopt the new laws.
Nevertheless, Domke said he supports efforts by the Bundestag (Germany’s national parliament) to establish a uniform online gambling framework for all 16 states.
The GlüNeuRStv regime is being overseen by Germany’s new regulator, Gluecksspiel (GGL). The agency commenced its duties on January 1, 2023.