Why Germany has tightened online gambling rules

Why tightened the rules

1. Protecting players and public health. Until 2021, some of the online verticals were actually outside the single legal framework, which created a risk for vulnerable users. GlüStV 2021 introduces centralized self-control tools and strict product restrictions.

2. Traffic sewerage from the gray zone. Instead of total bans - managed legalization with restrictions, so that it is easier for players to stay with licensed operators, and the regulator can control payments and behavior. To do this, GGL has stepped up supervision and the fight against illegal immigrants.

3. Unification of federalism. Previously, the lands diverged in interpretations and practice. Since 2023, GGL has become a single center for licensing, control and suppression of violations.

Key measures and how they work

1. Deposit limit: 1,000 € per month per player (total for all operators).

The central LUGAS file takes into account all replenishments, and after reaching the ceiling, new deposits are blocked until the end of the month. This is the basic "fuse" against overspending.

2. Slot limits: €1 per spin + at least 5 seconds per spin, no autoplay or jackpots.

Pace and rate mechanics directly reduce the likelihood of "sticking" and impulsive dogons; jackpots removed as a strong risk trigger.

3. OASIS is a nationwide self-exclusion.

The unified register blocks access to gambling for a period of self-exclusion (short or long). The system has shown a rapid increase in connections and is considered the core of protecting vulnerable players.

4. Online slots/poker rates tax - 5.3% from turnover.

The fiscal measure accompanied the launch of licenses and pushed operators to revise economies (including RTP).

5. Increased supervision and "purging" of illegal immigrants.

GGL systematically monitors sites/advertisements, issues bans and seeks the inaccessibility of a number of resources and advertising platforms in Germany.

6. Advertising and creative limitations.

Strict moderation of tone, channels and targeting to eliminate misleading promises and communication with minors/vulnerable groups. (The framework follows from the EU's LCCP-like logic and local codes.)

What has changed for the player and operator

The player sees slower working slots, "honest defaults," intelligible stop mechanisms and easy self-exclusion; the total monthly limit will not allow "shifting" losses between sites.

The operator works in real supervision mode: reporting, connection to LUGAS/OASIS, strict UX restrictions, responsibility for affiliates and risky advertising - plus the impact of a revolving tax on the unit economy.

Grey zone battle and lock-down tools dispute

GGL declares progress: hundreds of bans and inaccessible sites/sites. But the legal tools of IP locks have been criticized in the courts: in 2025, the highest administration limited the ability to impose locks on Internet providers within the framework of GlüStV 2021. This pushes the regulator to "host-oriented" and payment tactics of restraint.

Results: tough to become more transparent

The new German model is a combination of admission (legal slots/poker/betting) and strong restrictions (limits, pace, jackpot ban, advertising under a magnifying glass) with centralized control of player behavior and unified GGL supervision. The goal is not to "cut off the oxygen" of the industry, but to keep demand in the white sector, reduce harm and make the rules of the game the same for all lands. Litigation over blocking tools is still ongoing, but the foundation - GlüStV 2021 + GGL + LUGAS/OASIS - has already formed a new market landscape.

Checklist for operator going to Germany

1. Connection to LUGAS and compliance with the limit of 1,000 €/month. per player.

2. Match slot rules: 1 € bet, ≥5 with spin, no autogame and jackpots.

3. Full OASIS integration and fine-tuned RG processes.

4. Accounting for 5.3% of the revolving tax in the product economy.

5. Readiness for active GGL oversight and marketing/affiliate sanction risks.

So Germany is balancing the availability of a legal product with maximum harm reduction: clear limits + centralized supervision have made the market tough, but transparent - and noticeably less hospitable for the gray economy.