Is Online Casino Legal in Germany? What’s Allowed in 2025
- Maria Emmanuelle Arnidou
- Nov 27
- 4 min read
If you live in Germany, you’ve probably seen operators advertising “legal online casino” offers and wondered: Is this really allowed? The short answer for 2025 is: Yes – but under the regulator’s conditions.
Since 1 July 2021, online gambling in Germany has been regulated by the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag – GlüNeuRStv). This treaty created a nationwide licensing system for virtual (online) slots and online poker, and gave each state the option to license or monopolize online table games.
The Legal Framework – GlüNeuRStv and Online Casinos
From Grey Area to Regulated Market
Before 2021, the rules around online casinos in Germany were confusing and restrictive, with most forms of online casino gaming being technically prohibited.
With the GlüNeuRStv, Germany moved from this grey area to a regulated market. The aim was to introduce consumer protection tools, including central self-exclusion, deposit limits, and real-time monitoring, while generating tax revenue in a transparent way.
What the Treaty Actually Allows
Under GlüNeuRStv, the following online products can be licensed in Germany:
Virtual slot games (online slots)
Online poker
Sports betting
Online table games such as roulette, blackjack or baccarat are treated differently:
Each state decides whether to offer them via a state monopoly, or issue a limited number of licences to private operators.
So whether you can legally play online roulette or blackjack with a private operator depends on where the licence was issued and how that state implemented the treaty.
Is Online Casino Legal in Germany in 2025?
A German Licence is required
In 2025, players in Germany can play online slots and poker if:
The operator holds a German licence under GlüNeuRStv, and
The games are offered within the rules of that licence (stake limits, RTP, spin speed, etc.).
Table Games – Still a Special Case
For online table games, always check how they’re offered:
If they’re run under a state monopoly brand or a licensed state model, they may be legal.
If they’re promoted from an offshore casino with no German licence, they’re not legal under GlüNeuRStv.
What a Legal Online Casino Must Have in 2025
1. German Licence and Whitelist Entry
Every legal operator must:
Hold a valid German licence, and
Appear on the official whitelist of authorized operators.
How to Check the Whitelist
Before you register or deposit, always verify that the casino is on the whitelist. If it’s not listed, treat it as unlicensed for Germany.
🟣 For a step-by-step guide, see our dedicated article:
2. Connection to LUGAS – Central Player & Deposit Control
All licensed online casinos must connect to LUGAS – the central system that coordinates:
The default €1,000 monthly deposit limit per player, across all licensed platforms.
Real-time checks to prevent breaches of that limit.
Monitoring of session times and certain risk indicators.
Why LUGAS Matters for You
LUGAS is what stops you from quietly depositing thousands of euros across different casinos without oversight. For players, it means:
A global monthly deposit cap (unless officially raised in specific cases),
More control over spending,
Clear rules when you reach your limit.
🟣 Learn more in our in-depth guide:
3. OASIS Self-Exclusion – Mandatory for Licensed Operators
Another pillar of GlüNeuRStv is OASIS, the nationwide self-exclusion system.
If you sign up for OASIS, licensed operators must block your access for the duration of your exclusion.
This applies across all connected casinos, sportsbooks, and many land-based venues.
When and How to Use OASIS
OASIS is a strong safety net if you feel gambling is starting to affect your finances, work, or relationships. You can:
Request exclusion for a specific period, or
Apply for longer-term exclusion if you need it.
🟣 For a practical guide on how to register and what to expect, see:
Key Rules for Legal Online Casinos in Germany
Stake Limits, Spin Speeds and Game Design
To reduce high-risk behaviour, licensed online slots must follow strict rules, including:
Maximum stake per spin (€1 per spin for many virtual slots),
Minimum spin duration (no turbo-spins or auto-play),
No jackpot mechanics that create excessive chasing behaviour,
Transparent display of RTP (return to player).
These design rules make German-licensed slots feel more controlled than many offshore versions, but they’re part of the country’s player protection policy.
Identity Checks and KYC
Every legal operator is required to:
Verify your identity and age,
Conduct KYC (Know Your Customer) checks before allowing unrestricted deposits or withdrawals,
Flag any suspicious transactions in line with AML (anti-money-laundering) rules.
If a site lets you gamble high stakes without verifying your identity, it’s a red flag.
Advertising Restrictions
Under GlüNeuRStv, marketing and bonuses are also regulated. Licensed operators must:
Avoid targeting minors and vulnerable groups,
Provide clear responsible gambling messaging,
Follow time and content restrictions for certain formats (especially TV/radio).
How to Safely Play Online Casino in Germany
A Simple Checklist for Players
Before you create an account, check and consider the following:
Is the operator on the official whitelist?
Does the site clearly mention a German licence and list the licence number?
Are LUGAS deposit limits and OASIS self-exclusion explained?
Do the games follow typical German rules (stake caps, no auto-play, etc.)?
Are KYC checks and T&Cs transparent and easy to find?
German legislation for online gambling has become unified and clearer after the Interstate Treaty, ensuring that players, operators, and regulators are finally aligned in building a safe and sustainable online gaming environment for the future.