Gambling regulation in Germany explained: licences, regulator and what changes next
Regulation
Virtual slot machines, online poker and sports betting are licensed nationally by the GGL; online table games are left to each federal state.
National Licensing Structure
The State Treaty on Gambling establishes a unified licensing regime for specific digital products. The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder manages approvals for virtual slot machines, online poker and sports betting. This centralised approach ensures consistent standards across federal borders for these categories. Online table games operate under a different framework, with authority resting in each individual federal state. Industry participants must distinguish between these two regulatory paths when planning market entry. The table below outlines which products fall under national versus state jurisdiction. This division dictates compliance requirements and approval timelines for operators and suppliers. Understanding this split is essential for aligning product offerings with the correct licensing authority. The GGL handles the bulk of digital gaming activity, while states retain oversight of traditional table formats. Further details are available in the regulation tracker.
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online casino | licensed |
| Sports betting | licensed |
| Online poker | licensed |
| Lottery | a state monopoly |
Operational Constraints and Limits
Virtual slots face specific mechanical restrictions designed to control gameplay pace. Each spin carries a fixed stake limit, enforced alongside a minimum duration requirement. These rules aim to prevent rapid-fire betting cycles that bypass responsible gaming checks. A cross-operator monthly deposit limit applies to all licensed platforms. The LUGAS system verifies these caps in real time to ensure adherence. Suppliers must integrate with this infrastructure to maintain compliance. The limits apply uniformly regardless of operator size or market share. Technical integration with LUGAS is mandatory for any entity seeking a national license. Failure to sync with this system results in regulatory non-compliance. The focus remains on structural controls rather than discretionary adjustments.
Advertising and Self-Exclusion Rules
Marketing activities for licensed digital products face strict time-based constraints. Television and internet advertising is prohibited during specific daytime hours. This window covers the majority of standard business activity, limiting visibility for new entrants. Operators must schedule campaigns outside these restricted periods to reach audiences. The rules apply to virtual slots, online poker and online casino games uniformly. Self-exclusion mechanisms operate through the OASIS system. Players can block themselves from all licensed operators simultaneously through this central database. This ensures that exclusion requests are honoured across the entire regulated market. Suppliers should verify their platforms sync correctly with OASIS to avoid service disruptions. The system prioritises consistent player protection over fragmented local solutions.
Questions
Who licenses online poker in Germany?
The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder grants national licenses for online poker. This central authority manages approvals for this category under the State Treaty on Gambling.
Are online table games licensed nationally?
No. Online table games are regulated by individual federal states rather than the national GGL authority. Each state retains jurisdiction over this specific product category.
How are deposit limits enforced?
The LUGAS system checks monthly deposit caps across all licensed operators. This technical infrastructure ensures that players adhere to cross-operator spending limits in real time.
When can operators advertise slots?
Advertising is permitted outside the restricted daytime window. Operators must schedule television and internet campaigns for hours when the prohibition does not apply.
Every figure on this page is computed by code from standard industry formulas and the facts of our regulation tracker, each checked a second way. See the methodology.