Controversy Surrounds Schufa-G Report and Deposit Limits in Online Gambling
Increase in Schufa-G betting limits on the horizon, according to GGL, with an early decision anticipated
The world of online gambling in Germany is currently embroiled in a heated debate, with the suitability of the Schufa-G report as a proof of financial capacity for players causing quite a stir.
The increase in stake limits has become a contentious issue in parliament, with some federal states expressing interest in independently developing the Gaming State Treaty if necessary. The discussion was sparked by media reports in early March 2025, which alleged a "secret agreement" between interior ministers and online gambling providers to increase player stakes without appropriate financial capacity examination.
State Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) has stated that the controversial procedure is currently being reviewed by the Gaming Control Commission (GGL). Herrmann expects a decision on the approval of procedures for determining financial capacity soon, but the current FAQs of the GGL do not clearly indicate an extraordinary review of the Schufa-G report is taking place.
The Schufa-G report was previously considered suitable to increase the existing monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros in online gambling. However, this was withdrawn by the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt in December 2024.
Addiction researcher Tobias Hayer at the University of Bremen has called for a significant reduction in the monthly deposit limit for online gambling, proposing a limit of maximum 300 euros per month. However, the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL), and gaming company Tipico have criticized and rejected this representation, calling it inaccurate.
Herrmann believes that the Schufa-G report has been assumed as a suitable indicator for determining financial capacity in online gambling, but recent jurisprudence in Saxony-Anhalt has led to an intensive examination of its suitability by the GGL. Currently, there is no publicly available information specifying which authority is responsible for evaluating the suitability of the SCHUFA G report for determining the financial capacity of online players under the state gambling laws (Bundeslandesspielgesetz).
Hayer suggests using pay stubs or tax returns as a basis for a possible increase in the limit, stating that stakes of one to three percent of monthly income are already considered problematic. An evaluation of the Gaming State Treaty is planned for 2026, which may examine ambiguities and vaguely defined passages that are highly relevant in practice.
It is conceivable that the Gaming State Treaty will be adjusted in content before its extension in 2028. Some federal states have already expressed interest in continuing to develop the treaty independently if necessary. This could potentially lead to legal clarity and a more definitive approach to assessing a player's financial capacity.
In conclusion, the Schufa-G report and deposit limits in online gambling are under intense scrutiny, with many calling for reform and increased regulation. The GGL is currently reviewing the situation, and a decision is expected soon. The future of online gambling in Germany may very well depend on the outcome of this review.
