Best Online Casinos with the Highest Payouts in Germany

Germany’s online gambling scene has transformed significantly since the introduction of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV) in 2021. This legislation legalized online gambling nationwide, replacing a patchwork of state-specific rules. The treaty established the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), a regulatory body based in Halle (Saale), responsible for licensing and overseeing operators. As of 2025, only casinos with a GGL license or state-specific permits, such as those in Schleswig-Holstein, can legally offer online gaming to German players.

The regulated market prioritizes player protection, responsible gaming, and combating illegal gambling. However, strict regulations, including a 5.3% turnover tax on stakes, impact the payout rates of licensed casinos. This article explores the best online casinos in Germany that offer the highest payouts within this framework, providing detailed insights into their features, game selections, and strategies for maximizing returns.

Payouts and RTP

What is RTP?

Return to Player (RTP) is a critical metric in online gambling, representing the percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. For instance, a slot with a 90% RTP theoretically returns €90 for every €100 wagered. RTP is calculated over millions of spins or hands, so individual sessions may vary. Higher RTPs indicate better odds for players, making them a key factor when choosing games or casinos.

Why RTP Matters

RTP directly influences a player’s potential returns. Games with higher RTPs reduce the house edge, increasing the likelihood of retaining more of your wagers. For example, a blackjack game with a 99% RTP offers better odds than a slot with an 87% RTP. In Germany, understanding RTP is crucial due to regulatory constraints that affect payout rates.

RTP in the German Market

Germany’s 5.3% turnover tax on online slots and poker significantly impacts RTP. Unlike taxes on gross gaming revenue (GGR), this tax applies to total stakes, forcing operators to adjust RTPs to remain profitable. Industry insights suggest that licensed casinos often set average RTPs between 87-91%, with some games as low as 84% and others reaching 91%. This is lower than offshore casinos, which may offer 95-98% RTPs but operate illegally in Germany. Despite these constraints, players can find games with competitive RTPs by selecting reputable licensed casinos.

Top Licensed Online Casinos in Germany

Below is a curated list of top GGL-licensed online casinos known for offering competitive payouts within Germany’s regulated market. Each casino is evaluated based on licensing, game selection, bonuses, payment methods, and customer support.

Stargames.de

Operated by Greentube Malta Limited, Stargames.de is a leading online casino in Germany, renowned for its extensive slot offerings and player-friendly interface.

License: Stargames holds a GGL license, ensuring compliance with Germany’s strict gambling regulations.

Game Selection: The casino specializes in virtual slot machines, featuring popular Novomatic titles like Book of Ra and Sizzling Hot. While specific RTPs vary, Stargames has noted an average RTP of around 90%, reflecting regulatory adjustments. Players can check individual game RTPs in the settings or paytable.

Bonuses and Promotions: New players can expect welcome bonuses, such as deposit matches up to €100 and free spins. Regular promotions and a loyalty program reward returning players.

Payment Methods: Stargames supports secure options like PayPal, Skrill, credit cards, and bank transfers. Withdrawals are processed within 1-4 days, with no fees for most methods.

Customer Support: Available via live chat, email (hilfe@stargames.de), and phone, Stargames offers responsive support in German and English.

Payout Insights: While the average RTP is lower due to taxes, Stargames’ focus on high-quality slots ensures competitive payouts within the regulated market. Players should prioritize games with higher RTPs, such as those above 90%.

Novoline.de

Managed by BluBet Operations GmbH, Novoline.de is a premier destination for Novomatic fans, offering a robust selection of slots tailored for German players.

License: Novoline.de is GGL-licensed, guaranteeing a safe and regulated gaming environment.

Game Selection: The platform features classic and modern slots, including Lucky Lady’s Charm and Dolphin’s Pearl. RTPs typically range from 87-91%, with detailed information available in game settings.

Bonuses and Promotions: Novoline offers a generous welcome package, often including free spins and a deposit match up to €200. Ongoing promotions keep players engaged.

Payment Methods: Options include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Sofort, with withdrawals processed within 1-5 days.

Customer Support: Support is accessible via live chat, email, and phone, with quick response times.

Payout Insights: Novoline’s slots are designed for the German market, balancing entertainment with competitive RTPs. Players can maximize payouts by selecting games with higher RTPs and leveraging bonuses.

Merkur-spiel.de

Operated by Cashpoint Malta Limited, Merkur-spiel.de is a trusted brand offering Merkur Gaming’s iconic slots, popular in both online and land-based settings.

License: Merkur-spiel.de is licensed by the GGL, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Game Selection: The casino focuses on slots like Eye of Horus and Blazing Star, with RTPs adjusted for the German market, typically around 88-91%. Game RTPs are transparent and accessible.

Bonuses and Promotions: New players receive a welcome bonus, such as a 100% match up to €150, plus free spins. Regular promotions include cashback and reload bonuses.

Payment Methods: Supports PayPal, Skrill, credit cards, and bank transfers, with withdrawals taking 1-3 days.

Customer Support: Available through live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual support.

Payout Insights: Merkur’s slots are known for engaging gameplay and fair payouts. Players should check RTPs and focus on games with higher percentages to optimize returns.

Interwetten.de

Interwetten.de combines casino gaming with sports betting, offering a versatile platform for German players.

License: Licensed by the GGL for both casino games and sports betting, Interwetten ensures legal and secure operations.

Game Selection: Features slots from providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play, with RTPs ranging from 87-91%. Limited table games may be available in certain states.

Bonuses and Promotions: Offers a welcome bonus up to €100 and free spins, plus loyalty rewards for regular players.

Payment Methods: Includes PayPal, Visa, Skrill, and bank transfers, with withdrawals processed within 1-4 days.

Customer Support: Provides 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone in multiple languages.

Payout Insights: Interwetten’s diverse game library allows players to find slots with competitive RTPs, enhanced by frequent promotions.

LeoVegas.de

LeoVegas.de, operated by LVSports Limited, is an international brand with a strong presence in Germany’s regulated market.

License: GGL-licensed, LeoVegas meets all legal requirements for German players.

Game Selection: Offers a wide range of slots from providers like Play’n GO and Yggdrasil, with RTPs typically between 88-91%. Some live casino games may be available in permitted states.

Bonuses and Promotions: Known for generous welcome packages, including up to €500 and 200 free spins, plus regular tournaments.

Payment Methods: Supports PayPal, Skrill, credit cards, and Sofort, with withdrawals within 1-5 days.

Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, with excellent response times.

Payout Insights: LeoVegas’ extensive slot selection includes games with competitive RTPs, making it a strong choice for payout-focused players.

Casinos in Schleswig-Holstein

In Schleswig-Holstein, additional licensing allows operators like Tipico, BluBet, and Cashpoint to offer online casino table games, such as blackjack and roulette, which can have RTPs up to 99%. For example, BluBet’s casino.novoline.de and Cashpoint’s merkur-spiel.de provide these options, potentially offering higher payouts for players in this state.

Tips for Choosing the Best Online Casino

To select a casino with the highest payouts and best overall experience, consider these factors:

1. Verify Licensing: Ensure the casino is licensed by the GGL or a state authority like Schleswig-Holstein’s Glücksspielaufsichtsbehörde. Check the GGL Whitelist for confirmation.
2. Evaluate Game Variety: Focus on casinos with diverse slot selections from reputable providers like Novomatic, Merkur, or NetEnt. In Schleswig-Holstein, look for platforms offering table games with higher RTPs.
3. Compare Bonuses: Review welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs. Ensure terms, such as wagering requirements, are reasonable. For example, Stargames’ €100 bonus with 30x wagering is competitive.
4. Check Payment Options: Prioritize casinos with fast, fee-free withdrawals and popular methods like PayPal or Skrill. LeoVegas and Interwetten excel in this area.
5. Assess Customer Support: Choose casinos with 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone. Stargames and LeoVegas offer multilingual assistance, enhancing accessibility.

How to Find Games with High RTPs

Maximizing payouts involves selecting games with the highest RTPs. Here’s how:

1. Check Game Settings: Most slots display RTP in the paytable or settings. For example, Novomatic’s Book of Ra may have an RTP of 90-91% in German casinos.
2. Research Providers: Providers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt often offer slots with higher RTPs. Check casino game libraries for these brands.
3. Read Reviews: Sites like Casino Guru highlight high-RTP games and casinos with strong reputations.
4. Test Demo Modes: Many casinos, including Novoline.de, offer free demo versions. Use these to evaluate gameplay and RTP before wagering.

Challenges and Considerations

Germany’s strict regulations, including the 5.3% turnover tax and restrictions on table games, limit payout rates compared to offshore casinos. A 2021 survey by Goldmedia, commissioned by Entain and Greentube, found that 49% of players considered foreign sites due to higher RTPs. However, unlicensed casinos pose risks, including lack of player protection and potential legal consequences. Licensed casinos, while offering lower RTPs, ensure safety, fairness, and compliance.

Conclusion

Finding the best online casinos with the highest payouts in Germany requires navigating a regulated market with unique challenges. Licensed casinos like Stargames.de, Novoline.de, Merkur-spiel.de, Interwetten.de, and LeoVegas.de offer competitive RTPs within the 87-91% range, driven by high-quality slots and robust player protections. In Schleswig-Holstein, additional table game options may provide RTPs up to 99%. By choosing licensed operators, checking game RTPs, and leveraging bonuses, players can optimize their gaming experience. Always gamble responsibly, setting budgets and taking breaks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.