The German gambling regulator, Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has published a comprehensive FAQ to address common misunderstandings about the legality of online casino offerings. The aim is to better inform the public about the licensing structure under the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling and distinguish legitimate operators from illegal ones, particularly where misuse of the term “online casino” is concerned.
Since the enactment of the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV) in 2021, online gambling has been permitted in Germany within a strictly regulated framework. However, a major source of confusion lies in how the term “online casino” is used. According to the treaty, this designation refers specifically to virtual versions of traditional table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. These games are considered particularly high-risk and, as such, are only allowed under individual state licenses, not via nationwide authorization by the GGL.
Who Issues Licenses for Online Casinos?
While the GGL regulates and licenses providers of virtual slot machines—digitally rendered slot games often seen on casino websites—it does not issue permits for online casino table games. That responsibility lies with the gambling authorities of each individual German state. Only a few states have chosen to allow this category of games.
As of 26 May 2025, only Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein have issued licenses for operating online casino games, totaling five active licenses. These authorized operators are listed in the GGL’s official whitelist, which also indicates the type of gambling they’re permitted to offer.
The whitelist is a central tool for transparency, showing whether a provider holds a valid license, what kind of gambling is authorized, and the territories in which the provider is allowed to operate. The listed providers must meet the treaty’s requirements on responsible gambling measures, including deposit limits, verified payouts, data protection standards, registration protocols, and participation in national exclusion databases like LUGAS and OASIS.
Virtual Slots vs. Online Casinos: Legal Definitions Matter
A key clarification made by the GGL is that virtual slot providers are often mistakenly labeled as “online casinos.” Under German law, these are two distinct categories. Virtual slots resemble the machines found in physical arcades and are monitored directly by the GGL. In contrast, legal online casinos refer exclusively to digital table games, which must be licensed by individual states due to their heightened risk potential.
Importantly, providers of virtual slots are not allowed to advertise themselves as online casinos. Despite this, many unlicensed operators and affiliate websites intentionally misuse the term “online casino” to gain visibility in search engines and attract customers. These sites often optimize for search terms like “Online Casino Deutschland” or “Online Casino Echtgeld” in order to rank higher on Google and similar platforms.
GGL Targets Illegal Marketing and Urges Vigilance
To combat misleading promotions and illegal operators, the GGL monitors search trends, reviews user reports, and cooperates with platforms like Google to remove unauthorized websites from search results. In 2024, Google updated its advertising policies in response to GGL recommendations, contributing to the removal of multiple illegal listings.
Yet illegal operators often appear legitimate, using polished marketing strategies and offering appealing incentives like no-deposit bonuses or free spins. These tactics are designed to draw in unsuspecting players. The GGL therefore strongly advises players to consult the whitelist before engaging with any gambling site.
A GGL spokesperson warned that “many so-called online casinos found via internet searches are in fact illegal providers that exploit consumer confusion and use the term incorrectly.”
The Hidden Risks of Unlicensed Gambling
The dangers of playing on unregulated gambling sites are substantial. These include:
Legal penalties: Participating in unauthorized gambling can be a criminal offense, punishable by fines or imprisonment under §§ 284 and 285 of the German Criminal Code.
Unsecured payouts: Illegitimate sites often fail to pay out winnings or delay payments indefinitely.
Manipulated games: Without regulatory oversight, game outcomes may be skewed or unfair.
Data security concerns: Sensitive personal information submitted to these platforms may be misused or inadequately protected.
The GGL’s FAQ includes detailed instructions on how to recognize illegal gambling platforms, red flags to watch for, and what users can do if they suspect a provider is operating unlawfully. These warnings form part of a broader initiative to ensure consumer protection in Germany’s evolving online gambling market.
Source:
Was sind legale Online Casinos in Deutschland?, gluecksspiel-behoerde.de, May 27, 2025.
