Germany’s GGL Issues Clear Guidelines on Legal Online Casinos
Germany’s national gambling regulator, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), has released a detailed FAQ to address confusion surrounding which online gambling operations are legally permitted under the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). This update aims to help consumers and industry participants distinguish between authorized and unauthorized online casino offerings in the German market.
At the heart of the clarification is the legal definition of “online casino.” The GGL explains that the term strictly applies only to virtual table games such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. However, these games are not regulated by the GGL itself but by individual state authorities, each responsible for licensing within their jurisdiction. In contrast, virtual slot machines—often mistakenly bundled under the “online casino” label—are licensed and supervised directly by the GGL.
This distinction is crucial, as unauthorized operators frequently misuse the term “online casino” in marketing and search results to attract players under false impressions. The regulator warns that such misuse contributes to consumer confusion and exposes players to the risks of engaging with unlicensed platforms.
As of May 26, 2025, only Schleswig-Holstein and Bavaria have issued official licenses for online casinos focused on virtual table games, with five operators currently authorized. These licenses do not cover broader iGaming platforms or slot machine sites unless these platforms have separate GGL approval.
To empower players to verify the legality of operators, the GGL maintains an official whitelist of licensed providers. This list can be filtered by state, game type, and licensing authority, enabling users to confirm whether a site operates lawfully before playing.
The GGL is also actively working to curb the illegal gambling market. It collaborates with search engines, primarily Google, to diminish the visibility of unlicensed operators who often use misleading names like “Online Casino Germany” or “Real Money Casino.” Such platforms pose risks, including unfair game manipulation, weak data protection, and uncertain payout guarantees. The regulator is pursuing delisting efforts alongside educational campaigns to protect consumers.
By issuing this FAQ, the GGL seeks to enhance transparency and consumer protection amid a regulatory landscape complicated by overlapping federal and state responsibilities. Its clear message underscores that only state-licensed table games and GGL-regulated slot operators are legal. Players should treat any provider not listed on the official whitelist as unlicensed and potentially unsafe.
Source: GGL Clarifies Legal Boundaries for Online Casinos in Germany, LCB.org, June 1, 2025