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What is a Gambling License in Australia? An Australian gambling license is a permit issued by the authorities of an…
17.11.2025
Publication date: 17 November 2025
What is a Gambling License in Germany?
It’s an official authorization issued by a competent governmental authority that legitimizes the gambling operator’s activities within the Federal Republic of Germany. With this license, gambling companies, whether online casinos or bookmakers, gain the right to offer their services to millions of German customers, adhering strictly to updated regulations. The basis for granting such permissions lies in the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), creating a unified legal framework for all betting and gambling activities in the country.
Today, the German gambling market stands as a benchmark for strict regulation and one of Europe’s most attractive jurisdictions. In this expert guide from 3S.INFO, we’ll comprehensively explore how to acquire a gambling license in Germany in 2025: what types of permits exist, the total cost of the process, essential requirements for operators, and the structure of the taxation system. This guide will serve as your reliable compass in navigating the challenging yet highly promising licensing journey..
Which Law Regulates German Gambling in 2025?
The primary legislative act regulating gambling in Germany is the State Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV 2021). This Interstate treaty created a uniform legal framework for the entire country, replacing the previous fragmented system. It legalized online casinos and poker while establishing strict boundaries for all market participants. Germany’s gambling regulation rests on three pillars: player protection, prevention of addiction, and ensuring fairness in gameplay. The Gambling Law of Germany 2025 remains the GlüStV 2021, continuing to function without fundamental changes.
Who Issues and Oversees Gambling Licenses in Germany?
The central regulator for all forms of online gambling is the Regulatory Authority of Hesse (Die Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder – GGL). Located in Hanau, this body began its full-fledged operations on January 1, 2023, consolidating all key functions: processing applications, issuing licenses, overseeing the market, and combatting illegal operators.
The entire licensing procedure, from application submission to ongoing supervision, is centralized on the official portal of the GGL regulator. Current application forms and document requirements are published exclusively on this platform. For a more detailed analysis of the regulatory landscape and practical aspects of operating in the German market, refer to the 3S.INFO review.
What Types of Gambling Licenses Exist in Germany?
Under the GlüStV 2021, several categories of licenses cover specific types of gambling activities. An operator can submit an application for one or multiple licenses concurrently.
Types of Gambling Licenses in Germany under GlüStV 2021
| License Type | What Is Allowed | Key Features and Limitations |
| Online Casino License | Conducting real-time gambling (slots, table games, roulette, blackjack) | • Slot Bets Limit: Maximum €1 per spin
• Mandatory monitoring of player behavior • Prohibition of bonuses for new players |
| Online Poker License | Hosting poker tournaments and cash games | • Commonly applied together with casino license
• Subject to same player protection requirements |
| Sports Betting License | Accepting bets on sports events before start (pre-match) and live | • Ban on small in-game event bets
• Strict rules against match fixing |
| Virtual Sports Events License | Accepting bets on simulated sports events | •Regulated equivalently to real sport bets
• Random Number Generator certification required |
Cost and Fees for a Gambling License in Germany (2025)
| Payment Type | Amount | Terms and Notes |
| Registration Fee | 2,500 – 5,000 EUR | Dependent on the type of license; non-refundable if rejected |
| One-time License Fee | Up to 50,000 EUR | Calculated based on projected first-year turnover |
| Annual Supervision Fee | 15,000 – 50,000 EUR | Based on actual turnover; intended to fund GGL operations |
| Gambling Tax | 5.3% of GGR | Paid monthly from Gross Gaming Revenue |
Requirements for Operators to Obtain a German License
| Categories of Requirements | Specific Conditions |
| Legal Status | Registration in an EEA country; appointment of an authorized representative in Germany |
| Business Reputation | Vetting of beneficial owners, directors, and shareholders (stake >5%); no criminal record |
| Financial Stability | Minimum equity capital of 5-10 million euros; proof of funding sources |
| Technical Requirements | Certification of software according to GLI-19 standard; data protection under GDPR |
| Player Protection | Uniform deposit limit (max. 1000 EUR/month); mandatory verification; behavioral monitoring |
It’s important to note that lotteries (including Keno) and pari-mutuel betting remain under the monopoly of state-run and charitable organizations, such as Lotto24.
How to Obtain a Gambling License in Germany: A Step-by-step Guide
Obtaining a GGL license is not merely about filing an application; it entails a thorough examination of the operator’s compliance with rigorous standards. To successfully navigate this process, follow these recommended steps.
A Step-by-step Guide for Applicants Seeking a German Gambling License
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Short Checklist of Key Requirements for Obtaining a German License:
- Legal Status: Registered in the EEA, designated representative in Germany.
- Reputation: All beneficial owners and executives vetted, no criminal history.
- Finance: Ownership capital verified (recommended 5-10 million EUR) and source of funds proven legitimate.
- Technology: Software and RNG certified according to GLI-19 standards.
- Player Protection: Deposit limits (up to 1000 EUR/month), mandatory identification, and behavior tracking implemented.
- Compliance: Preparedness to operate without casino bonuses and with limited marketing efforts.
Strict adherence to this plan and meticulous fulfillment of all GGL requirements significantly increase your chances of successful entry into one of the world’s most reliable markets.
How Is Gambling Taxation Structured in Germany?
The gambling tax in Germany (Glücksspielsteuer) is applied to Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), meaning the sum of all bets minus payouts.
- Tax Rate: A flat rate of 5.3% of GGR.
- Tax Base: The tax applies to the entirety of GGR derived from players physically present in Germany.
- Payment Frequency: The tax is paid monthly, with declarations submitted quarterly.
Thus, the total fiscal burden on the operator consists of turnover tax and annual license fees. As an example, an operator generating 1 million EUR in monthly GGR would pay approximately 53,000 EUR in tax each month.
License Term and Renewal Process
A gambling license in Germany is issued for a period of five years. Six months prior to expiration, the operator must file a renewal application with the GGL. The renewal process is not automatic and involves verifying that the operator continued to meet all licensing conditions diligently throughout the preceding term.
Which Brands Operate Legally in the German Market?
The German market is characterized by fierce competition between international giants and strong local players. According to data from the federal regulator — the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) as of November 2025, dozens of companies are listed in the registry of legal operators. Among them, notable brands include:
- International Operators: 888, Betway, Bwin, Entain, Bet365.
- Local Giants: Tipico (leader in sports betting), Lotto24 (lottery), Mybet (part of the Entain group).
- Large Media Conglomerates: Deutsche Telekom Sportwetten.
Important: The current and complete list of all licensed operators can always be found on the official website of the GGL regulator, serving as the sole reliable source for verifying the legality of any given platform.
What Kind of Oversight Does GGL Exercise and What Are the Penalties for Illegal Activities?
GGL possesses broad authority. It conducts routine and ad hoc audits of operators, requests any documentation, and has access to gaming servers. In case of violations, fines of up to 500,000 EUR can be imposed, and in severe instances, licenses may be revoked. Combating illegal websites is another key duty of GGL. The regulator can mandate ISPs to block domain names and IP addresses of unauthorized operators and prohibit financial transactions with them. Participation in games hosted by unlicensed platforms violates the law and could lead to forfeiture of winnings.
The German licensing model, despite its strictness and high operational costs, has created a predictable and transparent business environment. It has become a benchmark for other European jurisdictions seeking to strike a balance between market openness, budget contributions, and comprehensive protection of citizens from the risks of gambling addiction. Obtaining a gambling license in Germany is a long-term investment into one of the world’s most reliable and largest markets.
FAQ
What is a gambling license in Germany and why is it needed?
A gambling license in Germany is an official authorization issued by the competent governmental authority that legalizes a gambling operator’s activities within the Federal Republic of Germany. Obtaining this license allows companies to legally offer their services to millions of German customers while strictly adhering to the updated regulatory framework established by the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021).
Which authority issues gambling licenses in Germany?
The central regulator for all forms of online gambling is the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (Die Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder – GGL). Located in Hanau, this body handles all key functions including processing applications, issuing licenses, market supervision, and combating illegal operators. The entire licensing process is centralized through the official GGL portal.
What types of gambling licenses are available in Germany?
Under GlüStV 2021, Germany offers several license categories: Online Casino License (slots, table games with €1 per spin limit), Online Poker License, Sports Betting License (pre-match and live), and Virtual Sports Events License. Each license has specific limitations and requirements, with sports betting and casino licenses being the most sought-after.
What are the main costs and taxes for a German gambling license?
The costs include: Registration fee (€2,500-5,000), one-time license fee (up to €50,000 based on projected turnover), annual supervision fee (€15,000-50,000), and gambling tax of 5.3% of Gross Gaming Revenue paid monthly. The total investment can be substantial, requiring proper budget planning.
What are the key requirements to obtain a German gambling license?
Key requirements include: Company registration in an EEA country, appointment of German representative, thorough vetting of all beneficial owners, minimum equity capital of €5-10 million, GLI-19 software certification, implementation of player protection measures (€1,000 monthly deposit limit), and compliance with strict advertising restrictions including no welcome bonuses.
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