In 2024, the legality of gambling in Germany: Examining permitted and prohibited practices
Gambling in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide
Gambling in Germany is regulated by the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), a national framework that provides licensing, regulation, and supervision for both offline and online gambling activities. This treaty focuses on consumer protection and combating illegal gambling.
Lotteries and Scratch Cards: Lotteries and scratch cards are regulated by state lotteries run by individual German federal states or cooperatives thereof, which hold exclusive licenses. Players looking to participate in legal lotteries or scratch cards should use official state lottery websites or outlets.
Slot Machines: Both land-based and online slot machines are legal under strict rules. Online slots are only legal on platforms that have obtained a German state license via the GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder), the joint authority for gambling regulation. For online slots, a monthly deposit cap of €1,000 applies per player, and other restrictions such as mandatory identity verification and session limits are imposed.
Sports Betting: Sports betting is legal when offered by state-licensed operators under the treaties regulating gambling in Germany. The GGL license ensures compliance with responsible gambling measures and player protection.
Table Games (Blackjack, Poker, etc.): Online poker is legal only on licensed platforms adhering to strict rules such as four-player table caps, identity verification, deposit limits (€1,000 monthly), and prohibitions on multi-tabling or offering casino games like Blackjack or Roulette on the same platform. Online casino games like Blackjack or Roulette remain largely prohibited outside state-licensed land-based casinos, but some online offers are allowed if licensed and compliant.
Identifying Legal vs Illegal Providers: Legal providers are those licensed by the joint German gambling regulator (GGL), whose license numbers typically are displayed on their websites. Licensed operators comply with deposit caps, player verification (ID and address), responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion options), and transparent info on fees and payouts. Illegal operators lack GGL licensing, often do not enforce deposit or session limits, skip mandatory player checks, and offer unrestricted games.
Players should verify licenses explicitly on provider websites and consult official GGL listings or state lottery sites to ensure legality. In summary, Germany has a detailed and restrictive legal framework with strict licensing for online poker, slots, and sports betting, supervised by the GGL. Lotteries and scratch cards remain a state monopoly, while online table games like Blackjack are heavily restricted.
Other Forms of Gambling: In 2024, the following types of gambling will be available in Germany: lotteries and scratch cards, slot machines, sports betting, table games, and other forms of gambling. Operators or online providers of virtual gaming halls must meet certain requirements to obtain a license to operate slot machines. Providers of sports betting must comply with certain rules that also apply to other gambling.
Poker and Table Games: Poker is the only table game allowed to be offered online in Germany, requiring a separate license. Classic table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and poker are a privilege of stationary casinos in Germany.
Illegal Providers: Numerous illegal providers of slot machines can be found in both the internet and stationary areas. Signs of an illegal slot machine provider in the online business include: no panic button to exclude oneself from gambling, bets higher than 1 Euro per spin, slot machines with a progressive jackpot, no 5-second pause between two spins, bets can be made with cryptocurrencies or other virtual currencies, and live casino games are offered.
Licensing and Advertising: Only the German GGL license allows operators to engage in legal gambling online. If a bookmaker advertises that they "work without betting tax" or "gift the betting tax", it is important to check the billing process. Checking the imprint of the website and comparing the company listed there to the GGL whitelist is safer. Exposing illegal sports betting providers involves checking the license of the provider.
Exceptions: Participating in the Spanish Christmas lottery El Gordo is generally not allowed for German players as tickets are exclusively sold in Spain.
- What forms of gambling will be available in Germany by 2024, according to the text? Lotteries and scratch cards, slot machines, sports betting, table games, and other types of gambling.
- Which online table game is allowed in Germany, while traditional table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack are exclusive to land-based casinos? Poker.
- Apart from sports betting, what are signs of an illegal slot machine provider in the online business, according to the text? No panic button to exclude oneself from gambling, bets higher than 1 Euro per spin, slot machines with a progressive jackpot, no 5-second pause between two spins, bets can be made with cryptocurrencies or other virtual currencies, and live casino games are offered.
