OASIS Self-Exclusion in Germany: How It Works and How to Apply
- Maria Emmanuelle Arnidou
- Nov 18, 2025
- 4 min read
The German gambling market underwent a major regulatory shift with the implementation of the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021 (GlüNeuRStV), establishing a unified, nationwide system for player protection. At the heart of this system is the OASIS Self-Exclusion program.
If you or a loved one are seeking to limit or stop participation in licensed gambling across Germany, understanding the OASIS system – what it is, how it works, and how to use it – is your next step.
What is the OASIS Self-Exclusion System?
OASIS, which stands for Online-Abfrage Spielerstatus (Online Player Status Query), is the central, cross-format player exclusion file for Germany. It is a mandatory, real-time registry designed to enforce player bans across all licensed gambling offerings in the country.
Who Manages OASIS?
The central authority responsible for maintaining and managing the OASIS database is the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt (RP Darmstadt) in the state of Hesse.
The Scope of OASIS
The system covers virtually all forms of regulated and high-risk gambling under the GlüNeuRStV. This means that an active OASIS Self-Exclusion prevents participation in:
Online Casinos (virtual slot machines, online poker)
Online Sports Betting
Land-based Spielbanken (Casinos)
Physical Gambling Halls (Spielotheken)
Betting Shops and terminals
Certain high-frequency lotteries
🟣 A self-exclusion block applied online is automatically valid for every licensed land-based venue, and vice versa. All licensed operators are legally required to verify the player’s status against the OASIS file before allowing registration or entry.
How to Apply for OASIS Self-Exclusion
There are three primary ways a block can be applied: Self-Exclusion, Third-Party Exclusion, and a Short-Term Block.
1. Self-Exclusion (Selbstsperre)
This is the most common path, initiated directly by the player.
Via an Operator
You can submit a request for self-exclusion directly to any licensed gambling operator (online casino, betting site, or physical hall). The operator is legally obliged to accept the application and forward it immediately to the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt (RP Darmstadt).
🟣 Pro Tip: How to Verify a Legal Operator – Germany Casino Whitelist Check
Directly via RP Darmstadt
You can also apply directly to the central authority managing OASIS using the official forms, which require your personal data and a copy of your ID. This is often the quickest method for long-term exclusions.
2. Third-Party Exclusion (Fremdsperre)
A third party – such as a relative, friend, or operator staff – can initiate an exclusion if there are justified indications of gambling-related problems.
Grounds for Exclusion: This is typically based on clear evidence of excessive gambling, over-indebtedness (überschuldet), or a failure to meet financial obligations due to gambling losses.
The Process: The third party submits evidence to the operator or directly to RP Darmstadt. The person being excluded must be given the opportunity to state their opinion (hearing process) before the exclusion is formally registered.
3. Short-Term Block (24-Stunden-Sperre)
For all online gambling providers, a mandatory "emergency button" or short-term block must be offered.
Duration: This block lasts for 24 hours.
Automatic End: This is the only type of block that ends automatically without needing a formal request for removal.
Minimum Exclusion Periods
The duration of the block depends on how it was initiated:
Self-Exclusion: 3 months
Third-Party Exclusion: 1 year
Short-Term Block: 24 hours
Removing an OASIS Block: The Entsperrung Process
This is one of the most critical aspects of the OASIS system: An exclusion does not expire automatically.
To lift a permanent or long-term block, you must follow a mandatory process known as Aufhebung der Spielersperre (lifting the player block).
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting a Block
Wait for the Minimum Period to Expire: You must wait until the full minimum exclusion period (e.g., 3 months, 1 year, or the specified longer term) has fully passed. An application submitted even one day early will be deemed invalid, and you will have to re-apply.
Submit a Written Application: A written request for the lifting of the ban must be submitted directly to the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt (RP Darmstadt) – not the gambling operator.
▫️ The application must include your full name, date of birth, current address, and a legally valid signature.
▫️ A clear copy of your valid photo ID (e.g., German Personalausweis or foreign passport) must be attached. Driving licenses are typically not accepted.
The Waiting Period: Once the application is received and processed by RP Darmstadt, a final waiting period is activated before the block is officially lifted:
▫️ Self-Exclusion: The ban is typically lifted 7 days after the request is processed.
▫️ Third-Party Exclusion: There is a longer protection period, often one month, to allow the party who initiated the ban to potentially object or re-apply.
🟣 The time required to process the application by RP Darmstadt, plus the subsequent mandatory waiting period, means lifting an exclusion is a multi-week process. It is neither instant nor guaranteed upon the expiry of the minimum term.
Where to Get Help in Germany (Spielsucht Hilfe)
OASIS is a technical tool, but addressing a potential gambling problem requires professional support. If you or a loved one need help, numerous resources in Germany offer free, confidential, and professional support:
🟣 For immediate assistance, the BIÖG (Bundesweite Informations- und Beratungsstelle Glücksspielsucht) operates a nationwide, free, and anonymous telephone counselling hotline at 0800 1 37 27 00. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is provided in the German language.
The journey to responsible gambling starts with a single step. The OASIS system is a powerful and reliable instrument provided by German regulation to help players take control when they need it most.