Legal context that shapes the results
The GGL was founded on July 1, 2021 and took over its full tasks on January 1, 2023. Under § 9(8) GlüStV 2021 it publishes an official list of permitted operators; in September 2026 the GGL reported 129 operators and intermediaries with 229 permitted websites.
- Virtual slot machines (virtuelle Automatenspiele) are licensed by the GGL. The treaty says "Der Einsatz darf einen Euro je Spiel nicht übersteigen" (the stake may not exceed one euro per game) and that a game must last at least five seconds on average. Since July 1, 2026 the GGL allows higher tiers for players aged 21 and over under extra conditions, until December 31, 2027; €1 remains the default.
- Online casino table games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat) are licensed by individual states under § 22c, either through a state provider or a limited number of concessions.
- Deposit limit: § 6c sets a cross-operator limit that "darf grundsätzlich 1000 Euro im Monat nicht übersteigen" (may not in principle exceed €1,000 a month).
- Minors: § 4 says "Die Teilnahme von Minderjährigen ist unzulässig" (participation by minors is not permitted).
German courts continue to hear challenges to parts of the regime, so recheck the rules before each reporting quarter.
Build German keyword groups by legal product
| Group | Example terms | Legal product |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual slots | Online-Spielothek, virtuelle Automatenspiele, Spielautomaten online | GGL-licensed |
| Table games | Online Roulette, Online Blackjack | State-licensed under § 22c |
| Sports betting | Sportwetten, Wettanbieter | GGL-licensed |
| Poker | Online Poker | GGL-licensed |
| Policy context | Einzahlungslimit, Spielerschutz, Sperrdatei OASIS | Information |
Sampling protocol
- Location: Germany at country level; add state-level samples only for table-game queries, where licensing differs by state.
- Language: German (de-DE).
- Devices: mobile and desktop separately.
- Depth and cadence: top 20, weekly; annotate the July 1, 2026 stake change and Bundesliga calendar.
- License check: mark every ranking brand as on or off the GGL whitelist for the product that page offers.
Safer gambling
The federal public health institute BIÖG (formerly BZgA) runs the "Check dein Spiel" service, with a free phone line on 0800 137 27 00.
Questions
Is online casino legal in Germany?
Partly. Virtual slot machines, poker and sports betting can be licensed by the GGL, while online table games such as roulette are licensed by individual states under § 22c GlüStV 2021.
How do I check if a German operator is licensed?
Use the GGL's official whitelist, which lists permitted operators and their websites, and check the product the ranking page offers.
Did Germany change the €1 slot stake limit?
Since July 1, 2026 the GGL allows higher stake tiers of up to €3 or €5 for players aged 21 and over who meet extra conditions, until December 31, 2027. €1 per game remains the default.
Sources
- GGL: Fünf Jahre GGL September 22, 2026
- GGL: Übersicht erlaubter Anbieter (whitelist) updated October 2, 2026
- GlüStV 2021, § 22a (virtual slot machines), Bayern.Recht version of October 29, 2020
- GlüStV 2021, § 22c (online casino games), Bayern.Recht version of October 29, 2020
- GlüStV 2021, § 6c (deposit limit), Bayern.Recht version of October 29, 2020
- GlüStV 2021, § 4 (minors), Bayern.Recht version of October 29, 2020
- GGL: FAQ Einzahlungslimit und Höchsteinsatz updated August 25, 2026
- BIÖG: Check dein Spiel information leaflet edition 3.1.07.26
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