Online casinos in Germany operate under a complex regulatory framework that has evolved significantly since 2021. The current Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021, which came into force on July 1, 2021, distinguishes between different types of online gambling activities and creates separate licensing systems for each (1). The joint German gambling supervisory authority, known as the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), serves as the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing online gambling operations across all German federal states.
Under German law, online casino games are subject to state-level regulation, with each federal state having the choice to either impose a state monopoly or issue a very limited number of licenses to private operators (1). This has created a fragmented regulatory landscape where some states like Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia have opened their markets to private operators, while others maintain state monopolies or have no regulations at all. Virtual slot machine games, however, can be licensed directly through the GGL, which became fully operational in January 2023.
"Since January 2024, the GGL has enhanced its focus on enforcement, employing a broader range of measures including stricter compliance checks, prohibition orders and improved collaboration with licensed operators regarding payment service providers in order to monitor transactions."
The legal framework imposes strict operational restrictions on licensed operators, including deposit limits, advertising restrictions, and mandatory player protection measures. Licensed operators must comply with anti-money laundering requirements, implement comprehensive social responsibility programs, and maintain rigorous age verification systems (1). Online casino games are defined specifically as virtual replications of banker games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, while virtual slot machines are regulated as separate products with their own licensing requirements and operational restrictions including stake limits and minimum spin durations (2).
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/germany
https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/insights-and-events/insights/2024/08/german-gambling-law-update-2024
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
