Get Minted exits German online market

08.02.2008

The first online gambling casualty of Germany's ban on Internet gambling introduced on January 1st has advised its players that it is to exit the German market.

Stuart Miller, the casino manager at Get Minted.com, told his German customers in an email this week that due to recent changes in the legalities of online gaming within Germany, "....we very much regret to inform you that all Getminted accounts registered by players from Germany will be suspended as of 1st March 2008."

The email advises that Get Minted will be suspending all game-play for German accounts on 8th February 2008, but that players will still be able log in and to withdraw any funds up until 1st March.

Effective 1st March a German customer log-on exclusion will be implemented, and German players should therefore ensure that their funds are withdrawn at that time. Miller thanks German clients for their patronage and apologises for any inconvenience, adding that Get Minted will continue to monitor the situation and hopes to again be able to offer German services in the future.

The ban by Germany has been criticised as non-compliant with EU principles by the European Commission, which is ramping up its pressure on Germany over state monopolistic and discriminatory gambling policies.