The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
What Is the 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 cross-state online gambling offers, 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 online casino games, such as blackjack, baccarat and roulette, 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.
Official name
Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL)
Founded
2021
Headquarters
Hansering 15, 06108, Halle (Saale)
Jurisdiction
Germany
Website
https://www.gluecksspiel-behoerde.de/de/
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
As is the case with all licensed top-rated German casinos, live dealer games and progressive jackpot slots are entirely prohibited as is any form of autoplay function. Players are limited to depositing up to a maximum of €1,000 per month and can place a maximum bet per spin of €1 on online slot games.
There are some significant factors in place for operators. In addition to obtaining a gambling licence, verification checks must be immediately carried out after every player registration. Moreover, operators must also pay a tax of 5.3% on every bet.
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.
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, you can follow the below steps:
Check for the regulator logo: Scroll all the way down to the footer and check for a valid GGL logo.
Verify the logo: The logo should be clickable and will take you to the GGL site.
Cross-check: Look up your chosen casino’s licence number on the site to verify that it is valid.
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.
1
Select a GGL casino
Browse through the list of GGL-licensed online casinos available above.
2
Read the T&Cs
Carefully review the terms and conditions and withdrawal requirements.
3
Sign up
Now you can proceed to register for an account.
4
Claim bonus
Claim your welcome bonus and don’t forget to check the bonus terms.
5
Start playing
It’s done! Now you can finally start playing your favourite casino games.
Casino Rules and Regulations by the German Casino Authority
Casino operators must be aware of the following rules and regulations:
Deposit limits: players are not allowed to make deposits larger than €1,000.
Stake limits: All wagers are limited to €1 per spin on online slot games. There is an additional 5-second wait for each spin.
Game restrictions: Live dealer games, live bets and progressive jackpots are strictly prohibited.
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
The GGL offers two types of gambling licences: business-to-person and business-to-business.
The business-to-person licence is issued to operators who offer gambling services to players, while the latter is issued to operators who offer their gambling services to other businesses.
GGL Requirements
The ISTG 2021 enables private operators to apply for a licence to offer online slot games, online poker and sports betting. All licences are valid for a period of five years.
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
The licence fees, like most of the online gambling situation in Germany are still under development.
FAQ
What’s the best GGL casino?
That would depend on your personal preference and specifications. We recommend going through the list of the best GGL casinos to pick the best one for you.
Is crypto allowed with the German casino license?
Currently, there is no mention of cryptocurrencies being allowed on a German casino licence.
Are GGL online casinos safe?
Yes. They are safe as they must abide by strict rules and regulations as stipulated by the GGL.
Kirill is Mr. Gamble's Content Creator with a passion for writing. Being fan of gaming himself, he wants to make sure that everybody gets a fair playing experience...
