Responsible online gaming – these points are particularly important

In order to increase player safety and better protect minors from unauthorized access to online casinos, the German government has introduced new guidelines that require age verification before gambling. The guidelines, developed in cooperation with the Online Gaming Security Association (OGSA), aim to protect children and young people from potential harm when gambling online.

Advice for safe online gaming

Poker, sports betting and gaming – the online gaming sector is expanding at a rapid pace. The number of providers entering the market with tempting offers is growing. This makes it particularly difficult for beginners to maintain an overview. It is therefore advisable to take the time to familiarize yourself with the gaming rules before playing your first game. In the online gaming industry, a lack of knowledge poses a serious risk to personal safety. However, the following tips should make it easier to play safely.

Only visit online casinos with a license

Only enter sensitive data in encrypted form and prefer providers with SSL encryption. Choose a secure password for access.

Check the provider’s online ratings and existing testimonials. Do not use insecure payment methods. Prefer traditional payment systems such as credit card or PayPal

Only use small amounts of money until you are sufficiently familiar with the rules of the game.

Avoid the bonus trap. Some providers entice you with high bonus payments, but check the conditions carefully before you accept.

Start with games where the probability of winning is higher. Take advantage of free offers to familiarize yourself with the games.

Worth knowing for players: The legal framework for players has improved. New legal provisions on online gaming were introduced in Germany in 2021. However, it is not only legislators who are ensuring better protection for players; the corporate groups have also launched an initiative. The Group’s leading managers and experts meet regularly to discuss sensible measures for player protection and addiction prevention under the heading of “Responsible Gambling”.

Protecting minors in online gaming too

Safe and responsible use of digital media is particularly important for young people in general. In the past, online age verification procedures were not fully developed, but today there are fully automated procedures based on biometric data. Based on this legal basis, providers offer special age verification for the gaming industry that is KYC and AMLA compliant. 

Online casino providers can easily integrate these into their website. Compliance with the legal requirements for the protection of minors is of vital importance for online gaming providers. The Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media reviews digital offerings to ensure this protection. Within the framework of the Youth Protection Act, the international system IARC (International Age Rating Coalition) is of crucial importance for age rating on gaming websites.

The fully automated age verification offers online gaming providers considerable relief, as the requirements for the protection of minors are rightly extremely high. Failure to comply can have serious consequences. In most cases, it is possible to integrate the automated verification systems into existing customer systems without difficulty. This considerably reduces the risk of violating the youth protection guidelines.