On July 1st, 2021, Germany introduced the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021), a new State Treaty that legalized online gambling nationwide. Along with the treaty, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, a new gaming authority, was established in Halle (Saale). As of January 1st, 2023, this authority took on the responsibility of licensing and regulating all gambling operators offering services to players in Germany.
Prior to the treaty, online casinos were banned across most of Germany, with the sole exception being Schleswig-Holstein. In 2012, the state implemented its own Gambling Act, which allowed online casinos and sports betting to operate, but only for residents of the state. The absence of comprehensive regulation led to the rise of a thriving black market, prompting the establishment of the new regulatory body to address the issue.
The primary objectives of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) are to license gambling operators, monitor the development of the gaming market, and ensure that licensed operators comply with regulations, particularly those aimed at preventing gambling addiction.
The GGL is responsible for overseeing various forms of gambling, including:
Online Poker and Virtual Slots
Online Sports and Horse Betting
Nationwide Social Lotteries
Commercial Game Brokerages across multiple countries
Class Lotteries
The new legislation aims to establish consistent regulations for online gambling operators, thereby creating a safer market and offering better protection for players. However, this comes with strict restrictions for both players and operators.
For online casinos, the legislation prohibits access to Progressive Jackpot slots and Live Dealer games, as well as any form of auto-play. Additionally, players are limited to depositing a maximum of €1000 per month, and the maximum stake per spin on virtual slot games is capped at €1. Operators also face significant challenges; in addition to securing a license, they must verify players immediately after registration and pay a 5.3% tax on every stake.
Despite these limitations, the establishment of a central regulatory authority in Germany is a step forward, promoting a more transparent online gambling environment for all parties involved.
Only operators with a license granted by the GGL are legally allowed to offer gambling services to players in Germany. These licensed providers are required to clearly state on their website that they have state authorization. The GGL publishes an official list, also known as a whitelist, which is available for download on its website. This list includes all licensed and authorized operators of games of chance, along with details such as their company address and the websites they are permitted to operate.
The GGL places a strong emphasis on identifying and preventing illegal online gambling. To assist with this, it offers a whistleblower system or reference portal, allowing players to anonymously report:
Illegal gambling activities
Advertising of illegal gambling offers online
Advertising of permitted gambling offers online
Irregularities in permitted gambling offers online
Suspected money laundering
However, like other regulatory bodies, the GGL does not handle complaints related to transactions between players and gambling operators. In such cases, players are advised to contact the gambling operator directly and follow the complaint procedure outlined on their website. If the issue remains unresolved, players can escalate the complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution service, the details of which should be provided by the operator.
A key condition for obtaining a license from the GGL is the implementation of several measures to protect players from gambling addiction. These measures include the option for players to set personal limits, receive regular reality checks, and the ability to self-exclude from gambling activities.
Furthermore, all operators are required to register with OASIS, Germany’s nationwide player ban system. This system covers all types of gambling, and when a player self-excludes from a casino or gambling site, their details are added to the ban list. Players can also directly exclude themselves through the OASIS website.
The GGL website provides information about gambling addiction, including its effects and how to recognize the symptoms. Players are encouraged to seek help and obtain further information from the State Coordination offices for gambling addiction. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the BZgA (Federal Centre for Health Education) website, Check Your Game, or contact the BZgA by phone at the free number 0800 1 37 27 00. The BZgA’s phone line is available Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Hansering 15, 06108, Halle (Saale)
Phone: +49 345 52352 0
E-mail: info@gluecksspiel-behoerde.de
Website: glucksspiel-behoerde.de
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