The gambling market in Germany changed fundamentally in 2021. In 2021, providers were allowed to apply for official German gambling licenses for the first time. It is an open secret that the industry is booming: 36.5% of Germans have played at least one game of chance for money in the last twelve months.
The boom of the last few years was followed by strict Ruleswhich the players have to Fraud and abuse. Licensing authorities such as the German gambling authority or the Malta Gaming authorities are particularly common. But how reputable is which license? And what exactly do they actually regulate? In this article Learn Everything you need to know about regional regulations for online casinos.
The Interstate Gambling Treaty 2021 simply explained
The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) has fundamentally changed online gambling in Germany. Since July 2021, there has been a uniform legal framework in all sixteen federal states for the first time.
Before that, there was chaos. Some federal states supported the previous regulation from 2012, others did not. There was no clear line. As a result, international providers filled the gaps for a long time - and many players from Germany ended up on the black market.
But what exactly has changed now? Online casinos, poker and virtual slot machines are now legal in Germany - but only under strict conditions. Providers require a German license. Players must prove their identity as part of this. There are also fixed deposit limits. In addition, a new authority - the GGL - monitors the market.
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These changes were brought about by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021:
- Mandatory verification of identity
- Panic button that allows you to lock yourself for 24 hours
- No player may spend more than 1,000 euros per month deposit. The Limit applies across all providers.
- There is a system that documents all deposits.
- Five-second pause between rounds and 1 euro maximum bet for slots.
- You are no longer allowed to play in several online casinos at the same time. play.
- The list of banned players is valid for all arcades.
- Casinos must use a "safe server" through which the authorities can monitor everything.
- The Gaming Authority (GGL) ensures that everyone adheres to the rules.
- Advertising in casinos has been restricted. Providers must also check who is playing.
- Only those who have a license are legally allowed to operate a online casino operate.
What types of gambling are there and how are they regulated in Germany?
When it comes to gambling, many people first think of slot machines - which is quite understandable. Slot machines account for around 42 percent of total gambling turnover. However, the world of gambling is diverse and has many licenses. Each of the following categories requires special licenses and is subject to clear regulations.
The main types of gambling in Germany are:
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- Lotteries
- Online Casinos
- Sports betting
- Poker
- Virtual slot machines
- Horse betting
Official list of permitted gambling providers: The whitelist
The whitelist is at the heart of gambling regulation in Germany. It provides information on which providers have a state license in accordance with the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. But how does it work?
The Joint Gaming Authority of the federal states publishes this list online. Here you can find all providers that operate safely and legally in Germany. This allows you to quickly find licensed providers and recognize reputable offers at a glance.
Providers on the whitelist must visibly display their license on their website. They must state which authority issued the license. The whitelist not only includes providers under GGL supervision, but also others such as lottery providers or Casinos. So with one click you know where to find your favorite games like Live Blackjack safely and reliably - it couldn't be more practical!
Online casinos in Germany
Online casinos record high turnover. In 2024 alone regulated providers generate a turnover of around 3.3 billion euros. Almost 60 percent of this turnover is generated in casinos with a German license. This figure shows the importance of this market. At the same time, the black market remains active.
Germany regulates online gambling strictly. The State Treaty on Gambling distinguishes between virtual Slot machines, Roulette tables and poker rooms. Each federal state decides whether to issue private licenses or introduce a monopoly.
But what does this mean for players? Only providers with a license from the Joint Gaming Authority of the German federal states (GGL) are allowed to offer online poker or gambling on virtual slot machines in Germany.
Gambling in the DACH region
While Germany did not introduce standardized legislation until 2021, it was not possible in the Switzerland as early as 2019. The national gambling market there was opened up to domestic providers, leading to steady growth in market share.
Austria and Switzerland set on a traditional model with supervisory authorities. In Austria, the Ministry of Finance is mainly responsible, but there are plans for a new regulatory authority. Switzerland has two authorities: The Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) for casino games and the Intercantonal Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) for lotteries and sports betting.
Other important gaming licenses
Online casinos are not limited to licenses from a single country. Many operators have licenses from different jurisdictions in order to appeal to a wider audience. Let's take a look at the most common and respected licenses found in the world of online casinos.
Germany: Joint Gaming Authority of the federal states (GGL)
The GGL license stands for maximum security and legality. For players, however, this security comes with severe restrictions such as betting limits and a minimum playing time. On the other hand, you can rely on security and fair games if a provider has a German license.
Malta: Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The MGA, founded in 2001, is a heavyweight in the industry. Its strict regulations ensure a high level of player protection. The license is coveted, as Malta is part of the EU. Transparency and fairness are a top priority with this gambling license - the MGA punishes rule violations with license revocation.
Curaçao: Curaçao eGaming
Curaçao eGaming has been in business since 1996. While the license used to be known for its low requirements, the tide has turned in the recent past. This license now also stands for seriousness. If an online casino in the EU has this license, you can generally rely on a safe gaming experience. More information about this license from Curaçao can be found at https://spielhallen.com/casinos/lizenzen/curacao/.
Curaçao: Antillephone N.V. Curaçao
Antillephone N.V. Curaçao has been issuing sublicenses to casinos based in Curaçao since 1994. The license is easier to obtain. However, some caution is required: Although the authority promises to help with problems, there have been difficulties with dispute resolution in the past. Users will also search in vain for a dedicated website.
Gibraltar: Gibraltar Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission in Gibraltar has been issuing licenses since 2000. The process is comprehensive - everything from a certificate of good conduct to a business plan is checked. The license is expensive, but it stands for a high degree of seriousness.
Cyprus: NBA - National Betting Authority
The NBA in Cyprus is one of the smallest gambling authorities in the world. The license costs are high, and cryptocurrencies are taboo as a means of payment at the casinos licensed here. Anyone in possession of a license from Cyprus is obliged to take meticulous care of player safety.
Clarity at last: legal and safe gaming
Because Germany has introduced its own licenses and rules since 2021, there is now clarity for players and providers in this country. A German license is a clear sign of a safe casino. As a player from Germany, it is best to choose a provider on the whitelist - then nothing can really go wrong when taking your first steps in the world of gambling.
The Joint Gaming Authority of the federal states (GGL) keeps an eagle eye on compliance with the rules. German licenses stand for seriousness and fair games. Users can sit back, relax and enjoy the game at online casinos licensed here - legally and safely.
However, around 40 percent of German players are still in Online casinos without a German license on the move. If you belong to this group, you should make sure that the provider of your choice really does have a reputable license issued by a trustworthy supervisory authority.
