Germany bans online poker
3rd January, 2008
German authorities have banned online gambling with the last legal game held at the stroke on midnight on New Year's Eve.
The move to make internet gambling illegal does not, however, extend to land-based casinos which can still be accessed by poker and blackjack enthusiasts.
A number of companies are expected to fight the ban, with many arguing that it contradicts European Law.
The rules extend to all Germans gambling on any online operator whether the company itself is from Germany or not.
European gambling websites Tipp24 and Bwin have already expressed their opposition to the ban, with Tipp24 saying the new rule is "clearly contrary to law" and that it "will sue for its rights if necessary".
All of Germany's 16 states voted by mid-December to approve the new online betting laws.
