StarGames, the online gaming site of Greentube Malta Ltd., one of nine subsidiaries of the Novomatic Interactive division, has announced its plan to apply for a German online gaming license in anticipation of new gambling legislation expected to come into effect in the Western European country in July 2021.

The Malta-based iGaming enterprise is known in the industry to be the first brand to make the original version of Book of Ra available to online players in Germany’s market. The classic, Ancient Egypt-themed, 10-line and 5-reel video slot was created and designed by Novomatic, which released the title in March 2005.

Market presence:

StarGames has experience in Germany‘s iGaming market thanks to its licensed operation in Schleswig-Holstein, the European country’s northernmost state. Anticipating the country’s newly regulated iGaming market, the brand recently released a landing page, allowing those who are interested to stay current regarding the most recent developments having to do with the project.

Managing Director for Greentube Malta, Trevor De Giorgio said in an official press release…

“We’re very excited about being able to fully operate in the regulated German market, and for players across the whole of Germany to be able to enjoy the fresh StarGames.

“We proved before in Schleswig-Holstein that we have the games, the technology, the knowhow and the security to offer players transparent, safe, top-quality gaming. While the new regulations certainly bring with them new challenges, we’re looking forward to once again delivering the best product and entertainment possible.”

Preparations ongoing:

In preparation for entry into the German market, StarGames is reportedly taking all the necessary steps to ensure that its content offering is compliant with the most recent Responsible Gaming regulations and guidelines introduced to minimize gambling-related harm and to promote social responsibility.

Included in the new regulations is:

  • “Reality check” functionality
  • Five-second spin intervals
  • A monthly deposit limit
  • Cooling-off periods
  • Time and stake limits
  • A ban on progressive jackpots and autoplay.

Also commenting, Brand Manager at Greentube, Laszlo Pados added…

“There’s still a long way to go until the German market opens next July, but we’re already working on a lot of exciting features to make sure that the new version of StarGames.de will be a true market leader in the eyes of our customers.”

Licenses:

The brand will continue to be run by Greentube Malta Ltd., as the Novomatic Interactive subsidiary is currently doing in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, and is in the process of applying for a Malta Gaming Authority license. Additionally, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, the company will also apply for a German iGaming license.

While an official launch date has yet to be announced, updates on the new project can be accessed on StarGames’ landing page.

After having approved the draft legislation in March this year,  in a remote meeting chaired by Berlin from October 28 – 30, the Minister-Presidents of Germany’s 16 federal states ratified the new regulatory framework, Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeuRStV), for gambling expected to come into force in July 2021 at their annual conference.

Thirteen of Germany’s 16 state parliaments must now ratify the GlüNeuRStV by April 30 of next year, if it is to be implemented from the planned July 1 launch date.