online glücksspiel Deutschland : What You Need to Know
Online gambling in Germany has changed a lot over the past few years. Once heavily restricted, it’s now legal and regulated under specific laws. However, players and operators still need to follow strict rules to stay compliant. Here’s a clear overview of how online gambling works in Germany today.
Legal Background
The turning point came in July 2021, when Germany introduced the online glücksspiel Deutschland. This law made it legal for operators to offer online casino games, poker, and sports betting—if they hold a valid German license. Before that, only a few states, like Schleswig-Holstein, allowed online gambling.
Licensed Operators
Only companies with a German gambling license can legally operate. Licensed operators must meet strict requirements, such as:
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Limiting player deposits to €1,000 per month
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Offering tools for responsible gambling, like time limits and self-exclusion
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Preventing underage gambling
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Hosting their servers in the European Union
You can check the list of approved operators on the official Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) website—the national gambling authority.
What You Can Play
German players can legally enjoy:
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Online sports betting
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Online slots and poker
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Lotteries and virtual horse racing
Traditional table games such as roulette and blackjack are still restricted and usually only allowed through state-owned providers.
Taxation and Player Safety
Operators must pay taxes on their earnings, but players generally don’t pay taxes on their winnings (unless gambling is their main income source). The government also focuses on player safety, requiring transparent odds, fair play, and anti-addiction measures.
Responsible Gambling
Germany takes problem gambling seriously. Licensed platforms must display support links, set spending limits, and monitor player behavior to identify risky activity. Players can also register with OASIS, a national self-exclusion system that blocks access to all licensed sites.
Final Thoughts
Online gambling in Germany is now a legal and regulated market, giving players a safe and fair environment to enjoy casino games and betting online. However, it’s crucial to use only licensed websites and gamble responsibly.
