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State Treaty on Gambling 2021: What Exceptions Apply to Players?

The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 grants players hardly any direct exceptions from central protection mechanisms such as the OASIS exclusion file. Only state lotteries, premium savings, and certain horse bets are exempt from the strict online casino limits (1.000 euros, 5-second rule). Minors are only allowed to participate in raffle draws for goods at public festivals. For all other licensed online gambling, uniform federal restrictions for addiction prevention apply.

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Legal Exceptions: When Does the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 Not Apply?

The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV) sets strict framework conditions for online gambling in Germany. However, it contains specific exceptions for players that exempt certain formats from central restrictions such as the 1.000-euro deposit limit or the OASIS exclusion file. These special regulatory paths primarily affect state lotteries, premium savings, and land-based horse betting, while exceptions also apply to minors at public festivals under strict conditions.

In the context of the GlüStV 2021, the term "exception" does not mean that a game is completely unregulated. It is a differentiation of the risk potentials. The legislator distinguishes between gambling with a high risk of addiction (such as virtual slot machine games) and those with a lower risk potential (such as lotteries). This distinction means that not all protective mechanisms apply equally to every form of gaming. The OASIS exclusion file is designed as a universal tool to keep gambling-addicted individuals away from all licensed offers. On the other hand, technical interventions in the gameplay (such as the 5-second rule) are specifically geared towards fast, repetitive games.

Lotteries and Premium Savings as Privileged Exceptions

State lotteries and classic premium savings occupy a special position in German gambling law. The legislator attributes a lower addiction potential to them compared to fast online slots. These formats are exempt from the obligation to check against the central OASIS exclusion file, which represents a significant exception for players. This privilege does not mean complete deregulation: organizers and brokers remain obliged to identify participants in order to safeguard minor protection and the integrity of the game.

The legal basis for this separation lies in the different risk assessments. Virtual slot games trigger high addictive impulses through rapid repetitions. In the case of lotteries and premium savings, such mechanisms are excluded by definition. Players should note that this exception only applies to offers that are held a maximum of twice a week or correspond to traditional premium savings. Circumvention of player exclusions is not intended. The regulation reflects the historical anchoring of these games in the German community.

In the case of lotteries, the player buys a ticket for a future draw. There is no immediate feedback loop that conditions the brain through quick dopamine releases, as is the case with slot machines. Premium savings, often in the form of savings certificates with raffle-like elements, combine the aspect of wealth accumulation with the appeal of gambling. This defuses the psychological dynamic. Therefore, the GlüStV does not see any need here for the hard technical brakes prescribed for online casinos.

Special Status of Horse Betting in the New State Treaty

Horse betting is subject to its own legal regime under the GlüStV 2021. It clearly distinguishes them from sports betting and online casino games. According to § 2 Abs. 5 GlüStV, different regulations apply to pure horse betting offered by clubs within the framework of a totalizator or on-site at racetracks. This is another important category of exceptions for players. These bets are not automatically subject to the strict limits for sports betting, provided they are not mixed online with other forms of gambling.

The technical flexibility is interesting: the State Treaty allows sports betting and horse betting to be offered within a section of the same internet domain. For other combinations like slots and poker, this is prohibited. This structural coupling shows that the legislator recognizes the affinity between the forms of betting without equating them regulatorily. With licensed providers such as Oddset or specialized betting shops, players encounter an offer that is subject to supervision. However, it is not necessarily squeezed into the same tight straitjackets as the online casino.

The historical background of this special position lies in the long tradition of horse racing in Germany. It is often viewed as a "sport with betting character" and less as pure gambling. The totalizator bet, in which winnings are formed from the entire betting pool, differs fundamentally from fixed-odds sports betting. This differentiation makes it possible for horse bets to be offered in formats that would not be permissible for other bets. The prerequisite is that the integrity of horse racing is preserved.

Gambling at Public Festivals and for Minors

One of the few situations in which minors are legally allowed to participate in gambling-like activities concerns raffles at public festivals, fairs, or similar events. § 4 Abs. 3 GlüStV 2021 allows this participation under the strict condition that the prize consists exclusively of low-value goods and no cash prize is distributed. This regulation represents a clear exception for players that takes traditional customs into account without endangering the protection of minors.

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The definition of "low value" is crucial in order to distinguish illegal gambling from permitted public festival attractions. As long as a monetary incentive is not at the forefront, but the entertainment character dominates, the offer remains exempt from the strict ban on public gambling for minors. Organizers must ensure that this limit is not exceeded. Otherwise, eligibility for a permit is lost, and regulatory sanctions threaten. This niche shows that the GlüStV is not designed as a rigid blanket ban, but as a differentiated instrument to protect the most vulnerable.

Typical examples of such permitted games are lottery throwing, where you win a plush teddy bear, or tin can throwing. The decisive factor is that the stake (often only a few cents or euros) is disproportionate to a possible cash win. If cash were paid out instead, the activity would immediately fall under the strict ban on gambling for minors. This applies regardless of the location where it is carried out. This exception protects the cultural heritage of public festivals while preventing children from becoming accustomed to monetary gambling mechanics at an early stage.

OASIS and Player Exclusion File: Function and Scope of Exclusions

In the area of central exclusion systems, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 provides hardly any exceptions for players. The law focuses on comprehensive protection. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) monitors the OASIS database. It enforces a cross-provider exclusion for all licensed online gambling and many land-based offers. In parallel, the limit file regulates the monthly deposit limit of 1.000 euros. The identity check ensures that no circumvention occurs through multiple accounts.

It is a widespread misconception that the OASIS exclusion file only applies to online casinos. In fact, it is the central instrument of player protection that includes all licensed forms of gambling, unless they are explicitly exempt. The exceptions are very narrowly defined and primarily concern traditional lotteries. For the average player participating in sports betting, poker, or virtual slot machine games, the OASIS exclusion file is omnipresent and binding.

How Does Registration in the OASIS Database Work?

OASIS (Online Exclusion System) functions as a central player exclusion file. The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 mandated it in order to design addiction prevention and minor protection effectively. In this database, personal data of players is stored. This concerns players who have either excluded themselves or have been excluded by a provider due to suspicious gaming behavior. Access to this sensitive data is strictly regulated: only licensed gambling providers and the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States are allowed to query the file.

Before each participation in gambling on the internet, the provider must check the player data against the exclusion file. This process is inseparably linked to the identity check. A reliable check against OASIS can only take place if the identity of the user has been verified beyond doubt. Without a successful identity check, participation in legal online gambling in Germany is not possible. Otherwise, the system could not distinguish between different people. In the land-based sector as well, such as in amusement arcades or restaurants with slot machines, checking against the exclusion file is mandatory. Here, the query often takes place upon entry or before the first game.

Self-exclusion in OASIS can be requested for various periods, typically for three months, one year, or permanently. An early lifting of the exclusion is only possible under strict conditions and after a blocking period. This counteracts impulsive decisions. The measure has a preventive character: it is intended not only to manage acute crises but also to support long-term behavioral changes. The provider-initiated exclusion occurs if anomalies in gaming behavior are detected. This indicates a threat, such as extremely high stakes in a short period of time or playing at unusual times.

Difference Between Player Exclusion and Limit File

It is crucial to distinguish the player exclusion file from the limit file. Both pursue different protective goals. The OASIS exclusion file results in a total ban on participation: a player listed in OASIS is not allowed to play at any licensed provider in Germany. In contrast, the limit file stores the cross-provider deposit limit. The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 stipulates that, in principle, players may not deposit more than 1.000 euros per month on the internet.

Even if a player is not excluded in OASIS, they are subject to control by the limit file. This file ensures that the monthly deposit limit is observed across all licensed platforms. A player therefore cannot bypass the limit by distributing their deposits across multiple providers. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States monitors the technical connection of the providers to this file to prevent manipulation. While the exclusion in OASIS is often a long-term measure to combat addiction, the limit file serves as a preventive budget control for all active players.

This duality of the systems is a core piece of German regulation. The limit file acts like an automatic financial advisor. It prevents players from running into financial difficulties unnoticed. The OASIS exclusion file, on the other hand, is the "emergency brake" for those who already have problems with their gaming behavior or for whom such a risk has been identified. Both systems work hand in hand to stretch a safety net. It acts both preventively and intervening.

Role of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL)

The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL), based in Halle (Saale), is the central supervisory authority. It was established by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. Its main task consists of monitoring compliance with all gambling regulations. This includes the correct use of OASIS and the limit file. The GGL ensures that providers operate their technical systems, such as the so-called safe server, in such a way that seamless electronic control is possible.

By bundling competencies at the GGL, uniform enforcement of player and minor protection is guaranteed throughout Germany. The authority checks whether the identity check complies with statutory standards. It also controls whether data checks against the player exclusion file take place in real time. Violations of the specifications for exclusion or limitation can lead to severe sanctions up to the withdrawal of the permit. The GGL works closely with the state authorities. In this way, the land-based sector, including amusement arcades and betting agencies, is also included in the monitoring.

The centralization of supervision under the GGL was one of the most important reforms of the GlüStV 2021. Previously, gambling supervision in Germany was highly fragmented. This led to different interpretations and enforcement deficits. With the GGL, there is now a "one-stop-shop" solution for the licensing and monitoring of online gambling. This increases legal certainty for providers and protection for players. Standards are applied uniformly across the federation. The GGL regularly publishes reports on its activities. They offer transparency regarding the number of exclusions, the imposed fines, and the development of the market.

Financial and Technical Limits for Online Players

Exceptions for players under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 are strictly limited. They primarily affect the approval of certain forms of gaming under strict conditions, not exemption from protective mechanisms. For the majority of users, a cross-provider deposit limit of 1.000 euros per month applies. The GGL's central limit file monitors this. Technical restrictions such as the 5-second rule for slots and the ban on parallel gaming are intended to minimize addiction risks. They are binding for all licensed providers.

These limits are non-negotiable. They apply to each player individually, regardless of their income or gaming history. The legislator deliberately opted for a flat-rate solution. This reduces administrative complexity and enables fast implementation. Although some players criticize this flat-rate approach as too rigid, from the perspective of addiction prevention, it is necessary to set a clear, unmistakable limit.

The 1.000-Euro Monthly Limit in Detail

The deposit limit is a central pillar of German player protection. It defines the maximum sum a player is allowed to deposit into their account monthly. This upper limit is legally set at 1000 euros. It applies not only to a single provider but cross-provider to all licensed platforms in Germany. Deposits with different providers are accumulated. Anyone who has already deposited 800 euros with provider A is only allowed to deposit 200 euros with provider B before the limit is reached.

Technical enforcement is carried out via the so-called limit file. It is a central database managed by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). Every licensed provider is obliged to query the player's current status in this file before each deposit. Particularly relevant is this for virtual slot machine games. This form of gaming is subject to strict regulatory conditions due to its high addiction potential. The limit also applies to online poker and other permitted internet gambling. Exceptions are only possible in very narrow, officially approved individual cases. There is no automatic exception for VIP customers. The limit primarily serves to prevent financial damage and is a core instrument for channeling players into the legal market.

Players have the option to set their personal limit in the limit file lower than the statutory 1.000 euros. This is a recommended measure for everyone who wants to strictly control their budget. However, increasing the limit beyond 1.000 euros is not possible. Changing a lower limit upwards is also subject to a waiting period. This prevents impulsive decisions. This "cooling-off" phase is another example of how the GlüStV 2021 uses psychological mechanisms to promote responsible gaming.

Gameplay Restrictions: 5-Second Rule and Parallel Gaming Ban

In order to slow down the speed of the game and make impulsive decisions more difficult, the State Treaty on Gambling prescribes a minimum pause of five seconds between two spins. This 5-second rule applies specifically to virtual slot machine games. It prevents rapid, back-to-back gaming, which is often classified as particularly addictive. The goal is to force an interruption of the "flow" and allow the player short moments of reflection.

Closely linked to this is the ban on parallel gaming. Players are not allowed to participate in multiple gambling games on the internet at the same time. This applies whether at different slot machines or at multiple poker tables. This measure is intended to prevent players from excessively dispersing their attention and budget. In this way, they do not lose control over their gaming behavior. Technically, this is realized by a blocking period of five minutes after logging out of a game. During this time, the player remains blocked from other online gambling. Providers like PokerStars or Tipico must configure their systems so that simultaneous login to multiple games of the same or another licensed provider is blocked. These restrictions apply regardless of whether the player prefers virtual slot machine games or online poker. They are part of the comprehensive technical requirements for license holders.

The 5-second rule has fundamentally changed the game mechanics of online slots in Germany. Many international games had to be adapted to integrate this pause. For players, this means that the game speed is significantly slower than on non-licensed platforms. This is often perceived as annoying. However, it serves the important purpose of reducing the intensity of the game. The parallel gaming ban complements this. It prevents players from compensating for the slowness of a game by participating in other games at the same time.

Security Features: Panic Button and Real-Time Intervention

Another mandatory element is the panic button. It must be visibly placed on every gaming page. If a player presses this button, the running game is immediately interrupted and the account is blocked for 24 hours. This function serves as an emergency brake in acute gambling addiction situations. It enables an immediate interruption of the game action.

In addition, providers must operate a technical system, the so-called safe server. It records all relevant data for the supervisory authority. This ensures that interventions such as the activation of the panic button or compliance with the 5-second rule can be monitored and reconstructed in real time. Switching between different gaming areas, for example from sports betting to virtual slot games, is also associated with a waiting period of one hour. During this time, winnings achieved may not be used for other games. These hurdles are intended to deliberately create friction points. They prevent parallel gaming and uncontrolled switching between forms of play.

The panic button is a simple but effective tool. It gives control back to the player when they notice they are crossing the boundary of responsible gaming. The 24-hour block is long enough to break acute gambling urges. It is short enough not to be perceived as permanent punishment. In combination with the other technical measures, it forms a comprehensive safety net. It protects the player in critical moments.

Status of Online Casinos, Poker, and Sports Betting

The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 does not provide any exceptions for players in the sense of a free pass. It defines strict protective mechanisms. Since July 1, 2021, virtual slot machine games, online poker, and online casino games have been eligible for permits under restrictive conditions. This is intended to create legal alternatives to the black market. While sports betting and poker occupy specific regulatory niches, casino games are subject to a complex web of state competencies and technical restrictions. These fundamentally change the gaming experience.

Regulation has fundamentally changed the market in Germany. Many international providers have left the German market. They did not want to or could not meet the strict requirements. Others have adapted their offers and applied for licenses. For players, this means that while they have a smaller selection of games, they play in a safe, regulated environment.

Are Online Casinos in Germany Completely Banned Since 2021?

No, a total ban no longer exists. However, eligibility for a permit is tied to strict conditions. The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 enables the licensing of online casino games. The federal states can choose between a state monopoly, a private monopoly, or the allocation of limited concessions. However, these online casino games may only be offered as virtual slot machine games. Classic table games such as roulette or blackjack in live format are excluded.

A central aspect of the regulation is technical monitoring. Providers must operate a so-called safe server system. It records all game-specific data and enables the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) to carry out electronic control in real time. For players, this means that every round is documented. In addition, a maximum stake of 1 euro per spin and a monthly deposit limit of 1.000 euros apply to these games. The limit file monitors this across providers. The RTP (Return to Player) rate, i.e., the theoretical payout percentage, is not fixed in the law. However, it must be transparent and is subject to supervision to prevent manipulation.

The ban on live dealer games and classic table games is one of the most controversial measures of the GlüStV 2021. The legislator justifies this with the higher addiction potential of these games. They are often perceived as more immersive and social. For players who prefer these games, the only option remains turning to non-licensed providers. This is associated with significant risks. The licensing of virtual slot games, on the other hand, is a compromise. It allows the creation of a controlled offer that minimizes the risk of addiction through technical limits.

Regulation of Online Poker and Sports Betting

Different rules apply to online poker and sports betting than to slots. Online poker is defined as a separate product. It is not subject to the 1-euro spin limit because it is classified as a game of skill with a gambling component. However, the advertising ban between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. also applies here. This severely restricts the visibility of online poker offers on German television and radio. The integrity of the game is guaranteed by checking against the OASIS exclusion file. This prevents parallel play.

In sports betting, the focus is on protecting the integrity of sports. Betting on events that are susceptible to manipulation or in which minors predominantly participate is prohibited. An important innovation is the eligibility for permits for live betting on specific events such as the "next goal". The prerequisite is that they do not endanger sports integrity. Sports betting is not subject to the same rigid deposit limit as slots. However, providers must ensure that no excluded players participate. The sports betting regulation also allows decentralized brokering in betting shops, provided they are controllable.

The distinction between poker and slots is important. It shows that the GlüStV 2021 does not paint all games with the same brush. Poker is treated differently due to the skill factor. This is reflected in the lack of a 5-second rule and the lack of a 1-euro limit. Sports betting, on the other hand, is regulated under the aspect of sports integrity. This leads to bans on certain betting markets. This differentiation is a sign of the complexity of German gambling law.

Ban on Live Dealer Games and Progressive Jackpots

The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 explicitly excludes certain forms of play. This leads to a ban on live dealer games in the licensed German market. Since only virtual slot machine games are permitted, real table games with human dealers fall under the ban on organizing public gambling on the internet. No permit is granted for these. This ban on live dealer games aims to limit the potential for addiction. Live games are often classified as more immersive and therefore riskier.

Progressive jackpots are also affected. Networks that offer cross-border or global jackpots are hardly compatible with the German licensing model. They could undermine the technical requirements for local data storage and the 1.000-euro limit. Providers must ensure that jackpots do not lead to circumvention of stake limits. In practice, this means that many international jackpots are not available for players with a German IP address. Or they are offered in an isolated, local variant that complies with regulatory requirements. The State Lottery and Casino Administration also reserves the monopoly for certain jackpot-like raffle games in some states. This further restricts the private market.

Responsible Gaming: Support Services and Resources

An often overlooked but crucial aspect of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 is the obligation of providers to point players toward help services. The state has recognized that technical limits alone are not sufficient to prevent gambling addiction. Therefore, licensed providers are obliged to actively link to advice centers and support groups. This creates a safety net that goes beyond purely technical regulation.

The Role of the BzgA and Check-dein-Spiel.de

The Federal Centre for Health Education (BzgA) is one of the most important institutions in the field of addiction prevention in Germany. It operates the portal Check-dein-Spiel.de, which was specially developed for gambling addiction. This service is free, anonymous, and available around the clock. Players can take a self-test here to check their gaming behavior. If necessary, they receive referrals to professional counseling centers.

Licensed providers must link clearly and visibly to Check-dein-Spiel.de on their websites. This is not an optional measure, but a statutory requirement of the GlüStV 2021. The link must be easy to find, ideally in the footer or in the menu of the website. This measure ensures that players who have problems can find help easily. The BzgA also offers information materials for relatives and professionals. This raises awareness of the risks of gambling.

The integration of these support services into the regulated market structure is an important step towards destigmatizing gambling addiction. By actively pointing to help, providers signal that they take responsibility for their customers seriously. For players, it is important to use these services before problems escalate. The self-test on Check-dein-Spiel.de is a good first step to realistically assess one's own situation.

Other Support Services and Self-Help Groups

In addition to the BzgA, there is a variety of other support services in Germany. The addiction counseling centers of Caritas, Diakonie, and AWO offer personal counseling sessions. These are often free of charge. These centers have trained professionals who can address the player's situation individually. In addition, there are self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. There, those affected exchange experiences and support each other.

The networking of these services is promoted by the GGL and the state authorities. There are central contact points that refer players to the appropriate help institution. This coordination is important to ensure that no one falls through the cracks. For relatives of gambling addicts, there are special counseling offers. They help to deal with the situation and motivate those affected to accept help.

State-Specific Peculiarities and Monopolies

The exceptions for players in the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 are not a free pass. They are closely linked to state-specific monopoly structures. While online slots are subject to strict limits nationwide, federal states like Bavaria retain the right to operate land-based and digital casino games as a state monopoly. This special regulation means that private providers do not receive a license for online casinos in these regions. The State Lottery and Casino Administration exercises sole authority. Players must therefore distinguish between the nationwide harmonized rules for sports betting and the local exceptions for lotteries or state casinos in order to act in a legally secure manner.

The State Monopoly in Bavaria and Other States

Within the framework of the state opening clauses of the GlüStV 2021, Bavaria explicitly opted for a state monopoly regulation. This includes both land-based and online casino games. Unlike other federal states that are examining private concessions for amusement arcades or online providers, the organization of online casino games in Bavaria is the sole responsibility of the State Lottery and Casino Administration. This authority thus fulfills the channeling mandate under Section 1 No. 2 GlüStV 2021. It provides a controlled offer designed to minimize addiction risks.

For players, this has concrete implications: private online casinos are not allowed to offer casino games in Bavaria. Casinos as state institutions may continue to operate. The casinos in Bavaria are subject to specific state regulations. These go beyond the State Treaty and emphasize the state's mandate to ensure safety. This strict separation ensures that the gambling offer in Bavaria is significantly more restrictive than in states with open license markets for private operators. Anyone looking for legal online casino alternatives in Bavaria will find that the offer remains limited to the state portals. Sports betting and lotteries remain accessible via private, licensed providers.

Other federal states like North Rhine-Westphalia or Hesse have opted for open licensing markets. Private providers can operate there under strict conditions. These differences lead to a patchwork of regulation. This can be confusing for players. It is therefore important to inform yourself about the specific regulations in your own federal state. Although the GGL tries to ensure a certain level of harmonization, state sovereignty in gambling law remains a determining factor.

Role of the State Lottery Administrations

In addition to casino monopolies, state lotteries play a central role in the German gambling market. The German Lotto and Toto Block coordinates the joint lottery offers of the federal states. It ensures that these comply with the specifications of the GlüStV 2021. Lotteries enjoy a special position in the State Treaty. They are classified as a traditional form of gambling with lower addiction risks. Therefore, they are exempt from many technical restrictions that apply to online slots.

A well-known example of the state presence in the sports betting segment is Oddset. It appears as a brand of the state lottery administrations. Oddset offers sports betting that is directly subject to the state monopoly. Thus, they are not subject to the same regulatory hurdles as private betting providers. The prerequisite is that they comply with the specifications of the State Treaty. The German Lotto and Toto Block functions as an umbrella organization here. It bundles the interests of the individual state lotteries and ensures a uniform market presence. For players, this means that offers like Oddset or the classic lottery products are considered particularly safe. They are directly controlled by the state, and payouts are guaranteed.

Jurisdiction of the State Gambling Authorities

Despite the creation of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) as the central supervisory authority for internet gambling, the state gambling authorities remain responsible for certain areas. In particular, the respective state authorities are responsible for monitoring land-based casinos, amusement arcades, and state lotteries. Players who have problems with a licensed provider must therefore first check whether it is an online-based game (responsible: GGL) or a local offer (responsible: state authority).

The state gambling authorities work closely with the GGL. This ensures seamless supervision. This applies in particular to the enforcement of exclusions or the punishment of violations of minor and player protection. In Bavaria, for example, the responsible state authority monitors compliance with the state monopoly by the State Lottery and Casino Administration. It ensures that no illegal private providers operate on the market. This dual structure requires players to have a precise understanding of the areas of responsibility. In the event of complaints, they must choose the correct contact person.

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FAQ

Does the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 also apply to foreign providers without a German license?
No, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 primarily regulates the organization and brokering of gambling within Germany by licensed providers. For players, this means that offers from providers with licenses from Malta or Curaçao do not fall under the German protection mechanisms such as the deposit limit. They also do not offer legal protection by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States. The use of such platforms is in a grey area. The state is trying to take action against the black market through blocking measures.
What specific exceptions for players are there in sports betting compared to online casinos?
In the State Treaty on Gambling 2021, sports betting is subject to less strict technical restrictions than virtual slot machine games. They are not subject to the 1-euro stake limit per spin. While online casino games and slots follow strict rules on addiction prevention, different requirements apply to sports betting regarding the integrity of the competition. Nevertheless, sports betting providers are also obliged to participate in the central OASIS exclusion system. This prevents parallel gaming.
Are online casinos in Germany completely banned since 2021 or only restricted?
Online casinos are not completely banned. They are subject to strict regulation by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. This enables licensing for virtual slot machine games and online poker. Providers must adhere to specifications such as the monthly deposit limit of 1000 euros. Their games must be hosted on safe servers. These exceptions for players from the total ban only apply if the provider has a permit from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States.
What does the 1-euro stake limit mean and are there exceptions for players here?
The 1-euro stake limit is a central protective measure of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. It limits the maximum stake per spin in virtual slot machine games. There are no direct exceptions for players who are allowed to bypass this limit on licensed slots. It serves to prevent addiction. Other forms of gaming, such as lotteries or horse betting, are not subject to this specific technical rule. They are categorized differently.
Are players allowed to play at licensed providers without a personal limit?
No, at all providers licensed under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021, a monthly deposit limit of a maximum of 1000 euros is mandatory. Players can only set this limit lower in the limit file. They cannot completely lift or exceed it. This regulation applies uniformly to all users. It ensures the addiction prevention goals defined in the State Treaty.
Are there exceptions to the OASIS exclusion file in the new State Treaty on Gambling?
Hardly any forms of gambling are exempt from participation in the central OASIS exclusion system. It is the core of player protection in the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. Only certain lotteries and to some extent horse betting are not subject to the same technical networking obligations as online slots in their full scope. However, an exclusion in the player exclusion file acts across federal states. It excludes the player from all participating licensed offers.
What penalties do players face for violating the State Treaty on Gambling?
The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 is primarily directed against unauthorized organizers and not against the players themselves. Therefore, there are no direct criminal sanctions for usage. The main objective is the defense against secondary and accompanying crime as well as the protection of players from fraudulent activities in the black market. However, players risk losing their stake. They have no legal claims in the event of problems with unlicensed providers.

About this Article - Editorial & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last Update: 2026-07-22.

This article on "State Treaty on Gambling 2021 Exceptions for Players" was written by Sarah Weber and expertly reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content regarding regulatory changes, license availability, and bonus terms. All statements regarding licenses, authorities, and legal frameworks refer to publicly accessible sources (GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States), State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021)).

About the Author

8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ personally tested platforms in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout workflows, customer support assessment.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. PhD in Business Mathematics. Main research areas: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).

Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel that you are losing control of your gaming behavior, please contact BzgA Gambling Addiction Help, Check-dein-Spiel.de, or use the central exclusion system (OASIS (central player exclusion system)). Set personal deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Pauses and cooldown functions of the providers are not a sign of weakness - they are a tool for sustainable fun in gaming.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is for editorial and comparison purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The legal evaluation of online gambling without a German license is a grey area and is subject to ongoing adjustments by the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). Players themselves are responsible for compliance with local regulations.