Wiki: German State Treaty on Gambling

The gambling industry is governed by a complex web of laws to ensure every bet is placed in a legal and secure environment. For decades, the MERKUR GROUP has operated as a fully licensed provider across Germany and Europe, making strict adherence to national regulations our top priority.MERKUR GROUP has been a legal and licensed provider of gambling and betting offers in Germany and Europe for decades, placing the highest importance on complying with all laws and regulations in the respective countries.

At the heart of Germany's legal system for gaming is the “State Treaty on the New Regulation of Gambling” (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV). This landmark regulation, which came into effect on July 1, 2021, serves as the primary blueprint for the industry. Because it was ratified by all 16 federal states, its rules are uniform across the entire country, establishing a transparent and safe standard for all legal gambling services. Glücksspielstaatsvertrag, GlüStV ). It is the cornerstone of German gambling regulation and has been in force in its current version since 1 July 2021. The State Treaty on Gambling was agreed between all 16 German federal states and therefore applies throughout Germany. It defines the nationwide requirements and obligations for legal gambling services, ensuring safe and transparent play.

What the State Treaty on Gambling aims to achieve

According to § 1, the State Treaty on Gambling pursues five core objectives of equal importance:

• First, it focuses on preventing gambling and betting addiction while establishing a robust infrastructure for early intervention and support.
• Second, it recognizes that the urge to gamble is natural; therefore, it aims to channel this instinct into regulated, supervised environments. By providing legal alternatives, it seeks to diminish the appeal and growth of the illegal black market.
• to ensure youth and player protection,
• Third, it ensures that all gaming operations are conducted ethically, protecting players from scams and preventing gambling-related criminal activity.
• Fourth, it protects the integrity of sports, ensuring that the organization and brokerage of sports betting do not compromise fair competition.

To turn these goals into reality, the treaty provides strict guidelines for most permitted gaming activities in Germany—specifically online casino games, virtual slots, poker, and sports or horse betting. It also sets the rules for commercial gaming brokers, low-risk lotteries, and gaming arcades.

Beyond basic licensing, the treaty emphasizes player protection, particularly in the digital space. A prime example is the OASIS system, a centralized database that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all legal gambling platforms nationwide. Additionally, operators must implement a variety of safeguards to protect users, and the treaty strictly dictates how gambling can be advertised to the public. OASIS player exclusion database works and must be applied, enabling people to exclude themselves from gambling services nationwide and across all forms of play. Beyond this, online gambling providers in Germany must implement a wide range of additional, specific player protection measures. The treaty also contains detailed provisions on permissible gambling advertising.

Ultimately, the State Treaty on Gambling is the linchpin of the industry. Combined with other federal and state laws, it creates a comprehensive safety net that ensures gaming in Germany remains fair, responsible, and protected from the risks of unregulated providers.

Because MERKUR is a licensed operator fully committed to the goals of the GlüStV, our players can enjoy their experience with complete peace of mind. We live by a simple philosophy:MERKUR – as a licensed provider that takes extensive measures to achieve the objectives of the GlüStV – you can fully enjoy your gaming experience. In line with the motto:

Enjoy the game, keep coming back, and have fun—but always PLAY SAFE!