What I need to know about German Gambling Regulation
The German Gambling Authority oversees online gambling to ensure that the services offered in Germany meet specific legal standards. This protects customers and maintains integrity within the gambling market.
In Germany, there's an official list of all the online gambling providers that are legally allowed to operate. This list is called the German Gambling Authority’s Whitelist:
- If a provider is on this Whitelist: They're legal and regulated in Germany. This means they follow strict rules to protect your money and rights.
- If a provider is not on this Whitelist: They are considered illegal and unregulated in Germany. Even if they have a license from another country, that license is not recognized in Germany,
The risks of unlicensed platforms
Why it’s important to use gambling websites on Germany’s official Whitelist
- Your funds may not be protected Websites not on the official Whitelist may not follow local regulations, which means there’s no guarantee that your deposits or winnings are secure.
- Limited support if issues arise If you experience problems – such as game fairness concerns or difficulty withdrawing funds – there may be no official way to resolve them.
- Payments may be declined Banks and payment providers are often required to lock transactions to or from unlicensed gambling websites. This could result in deposits or withdrawals being declined.
Potential legal consequences
Using gambling platforms that aren't on the official Whitelist do not comply with current legal regulations. We recommend choosing licensed providers to ensure you're on the safe side, both legally and financially.
How to stay safe
The best way to stay protected is to check whether a gambling provider is licensed in Germany before you play or make a deposit.
Always check the official Whitelist of the German Gambling Authority
We recommend visiting the official website of the German Gambling Authority to see the most up-to-date list of approved providers. It’s quick and easy — and it helps you make sure you're using legal, regulated platforms:
By staying informed and checking the Whitelist regularly, you can enjoy online gambling safely and confidently, knowing you're protected. Our aim is to help you avoid using unlicensed sites without realizing it.