Online Casino Licence Germany

Kirill Tsernov, Jonas Kyllönen

Updated:21.6.2026

German casinos are comparable to licensed casinos in Belgium due to a similarity in license accessibility and regulation, both emphasising strict player protection measures, responsible gambling policies, and transparency in operations.

What Is Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder?

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) is a German regulatory authority that oversees all of the country’s cross-state gambling market and promotes player protection. Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, in English, is the Joint Gambling Authority of the States.

The GGL, as such, is also responsible for the granting of licences for German online casino sites, as well as verifying and approving them. Its main aim is also to ensure that all approved operators are complying with the rules for player protection and manipulation prevention. It also acts as a coordinating body for interest groups, such as gambling providers, players and additional associations on issues related to the gambling industry.

The GGL, however, is not responsible for all state-level online casino/table-game permissions, which are not covered in the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG 2021).

GGL Contact Details

If you are interested in acquiring a casino license in Germany, here are the contact details of the GGL.

History of the GGL 

The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder does not have a long history. It was founded in 2021 with the aim of handling cross-border licensing procedures as well as supervising the online gambling industry in Germany. It acts in compliance with the objectives of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021.

It is currently responsible for supervising and overseeing the following types of gambling:

• Online poker and virtual online slots
• Sports betting and online horse betting
• Class lotteries
• Nationwide social lotteries
• Commercial game brokerages in various countries

Player Protection in Germany-Licensed Casinos

All online casinos with a Germany gambling licence must have the right safety and security measures in place. This includes the latest SSL encryption technology that ensures that any information exchanged with the site is protected. The casinos must also get their games and random number generators audited by independent third parties.

In Germany, there are strict advertising restrictions in place. Advertising of any games of chance is subject to restrictions and is affected by numerous laws and regulations, including the Interstate Treaty, the Code of Practice of the German Advertising Council, the Act Against Unfair Competition and minor protection legislation.

Advertising measures must never be directed at minors or any vulnerable target groups. Most importantly, adverts should not be misleading. Before operators can advertise, they must first submit a marketing concept detailing how they intend to advertise their products, whilst ensuring player protection.

Casino Dispute Resolution Under the German Casino License

Similar to other gambling authorities, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder does not process complaints for transactions between players and operators with a casino license Germany. 

The players are advised to approach the casino’s customer support team and to follow the complaints policy as specified on the website. If there is no outcome, players can proceed to escalate the complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution service.

Regulatory concerns, such as illegal gambling, advertising breaches, irregularities, or suspected money laundering, can be reported to the GGL.

How to Check a Casino for the Germany License

If you want to check whether an online gambling site has a valid licence issued in Germany, check the official GGL whitelist. Verify the following on the official GGL whitelist

• Exact operator name
• Approved domain
• Gambling category
• Permission date
• Responsible authority

Do not rely only on a logo or brand name. 

How to Choose the Best GGL Casino

Here's an easy step-by-step guide to help you navigate your options for the online casinos licensed in Germany and choose the best one.

Total Time: 10 minutes

Supply: Online casino

Tools: Casino list

Select a GGL casino

Browse through the list of GGL-licensed online casinos available above.

Read the T&Cs

Carefully review the terms and conditions and withdrawal requirements.

Sign up

Now you can proceed to register for an account.

Claim bonus

Claim your welcome bonus and don’t forget to check the bonus terms.

Start playing

It’s done! Now you can finally start playing your favourite casino games.

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Casino Rules and Regulations by the German Casino Authority

Casino operators must be aware of the following rules and regulations:

• Deposit limits: Germany generally applies a €1,000 monthly cross-provider deposit limit across licensed online gambling operators. Higher limits may be possible only under specific conditions and additional checks.
• Stake limits: German virtual slots are subject to strict stake and speed controls. All wagers are limited to €1 per spin. There is an additional 5-second wait for each spin. However, this may be subject to approved exceptions or newer tiered limits
• Taxes: A 5.3% stake tax applies on every euro wagered.
• Advertising: Adverts promoting online poker, slots and casino games are not allowed on any medium between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Verification: All players must verify their identity as soon as they sign up for an account.

Gambling Licence Types Offered by the GGL

Germany’s gambling framework under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (ISTG 2021) several permission categories for regulated market participation.

The GGL is responsible for licensing and supervising specific cross-state gambling products, including virtual slots, online poker, online sports betting, online horse betting, nationwide social lotteries, commercial gambling brokerage across several German states, and class lotteries.

GGL Requirements for Operators

The GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) is Germany’s central gambling regulator responsible for licensing, supervising, and enforcing compliance across the national gambling market and all legal online casinos (Germany licensed sites).

Operators regulated by the Joint Gambling Supervisory Authority (GGL) must meet strict conditions, including AML/KYC verification, certified technical systems, GDPR compliance, responsible gambling tools, and integration with national monitoring systems such as LUGAS and OASIS, alongside ongoing reporting and audit obligations.

How to Get a Gambling License From the GGL

To apply for a gambling licence from the GGL, you would need to follow the below process:

• Preparation: The applicant must prepare the necessary documents and information required for the application process. This includes a detailed business plan, financial statements, and other relevant documents.
• Application: The applicant must submit the application form along with the required documents to the GGL.
• Review: The GGL will review the application and conduct a background check on the applicant. The review process can take several months.
• Site Inspection: The GGL will conduct a site inspection of the applicant’s premises to ensure that they meet the requirements. This includes checking the security measures, the quality of the equipment, and the overall suitability of the premises.
• Certification: If the application is approved, the GGL will issue a certification to the applicant.

GGL Gambling Licence Cost

Any legal online casino Germany licensed by the GGL must pay fees for the licence, and there is a structured cost framework based on application type, turnover, and ongoing supervision requirements. Fees are designed to cover regulatory oversight and compliance enforcement across Germany’s regulated gambling market.

Are GGL License Casinos Safe?

Yes. Any casinos licensed by the Joint Gambling Supervisory Authority Joint Gambling Supervisory Authority under an online gambling license Germany framework are subject to strict technical, financial, and player protection standards. This means they are safe for players to join, as long as you see the official licence certificate.

How to choose a safe licensed online casino in Germany:

When choosing a safe licensed online casino in Germany, the key is to focus on whether the operator fully complies with national regulatory and player protection standards set by the GGL. To do so, you should follow the following steps:

• Verify a valid GGL licence status via the website
• Check integration with OASIS self-exclusion system
• Ensure clear responsible gambling tools and deposit limits
• Look for legitimate games from known providers (e.g., Play’n Go, Pragmatic Play or NetEnt)
• Confirm transparent terms and payout policies before making a deposit
• Read expert reviews and recent player analysis

FAQ