GGL’s FAQ: Key Clarifications on Legal Online Gambling in Germany

1. Critical Terminology Distinction

2. Regulatory Framework Complexity

• Federal vs. State Oversight:
  • GGL (federal): Regulates virtual slots, sports betting, poker
  • State Authorities: Regulate virtual table games (“online casinos”)
• Licensing Reality:
  • Only 2 of 16 states (Schleswig-Holstein, Bavaria) have activated table game licensing
  • No unified national licensing for table games exists

3. Consumer Protection Mechanisms

• Official Whitelist Tool:
  • Public database of licensed operators
  • Filterable by: state, game type, licensing authority
  • Mandatory verification step for players
• Illegal Operator Tactics:
  • Misusing “online casino” terminology in SEO/marketing
  • False branding (e.g., “Online Casino Germany”)
  • Exploiting regulatory gray areas

4. Enforcement Actions

• Search Engine Collaboration:
  • Working with Google to delist unlicensed operators
  • Targeting misleading search terms
• Risks of Illegal Platforms:
  • Game manipulation
  • Inadequate data protection
  • No payout guarantees
  • No responsible gambling tools

Strategic Implications for Stakeholders

For Operators

• Compliance Requirements:
  • Table games: State-specific licensing (currently only viable in SH/Bavaria)
  • Slots: Federal GGL licensing mandatory
• Marketing Restrictions:
  • Cannot use “online casino” for slot-focused platforms
  • Must clarify game types in advertising

For Consumers

• Verification Protocol:
  Listed

  Not listed

  Visit gambling site

  Check GGL whitelist

  Legal to play

  Illegal – Avoid