March 2023: Which providers hold a German gambling license?

In September of last year, we had reported about the fact that till then there were nine German licences for virtual slot machines. Meanwhile another 6 months have passed, and further gambling companies have received the sought-after German licence of the GGL, the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (the Gambling Authority responsible for all regions in Germany). But which companies hold a German license for which platforms?

In the first months after the State Gambling Act (GlüStV) came into effect, no licenses were issued by the relevant authorities. However, in May 2022 things were set into motion as regards the approval procedures. We had reported that a Gauselmann-subsidiary had received the first German licence for online slots. In the following months further gambling providers received their license for virtual slot machines. Recently the number of licences for online slots in September 2022 increased to nine. Meanwhile another six months have passed, in which the Gambling Authorities have obviously been anything but inactive.

March 2023: a total of 27 licences for virtual slot machines issued

If we look at the common official list (the so called. whitelist) of the GGL, the Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, we see that currently 27 companies hold a German licence for online slots. The whitelist was last updated on the 28th. February 2023. Since the 1st. January 2023 the GGL, which is based in Saxony Anhalt is regulating the gambling market all over Germany. But which companies are actually in possession of a valid German GGL licence and thus have permission to provide virtual slot games?

Some of the mentioned online casinos are till date not open for casino players. In a somewhat older article we have already tried to reply to the question why do we have so many new online casinos which hold a German licence opening. Meanwhile many famous and established platforms like bet-at-home.de, bwin.de, stargames.de, winfest.de, ladbrokes.de, leovegas.de or wunderino.de have received a German licence for online slots.

Reputable online casinos with a German license at GambleJoe

First Poker licences issued

Besides the licences for virtual slots the Gambling Authority, which is based in Halle (Saale), has meanwhile also issued another four licences to providers of online poker. In November 2022 we had reported about the fact that Entain plc has received the first German licence for poker games on the internet. Which companies hold a “poker licence” and for which platforms?

Still no licence for online casino games

The Gambling Authority is fulfilling its duties and its work is always improving. The individual regions are responsible for issuing the licences of online casino games, thus the classical table and card games. Till now there is no region in which Blackjack, Roulette or Baccarat are permitted. No gambling licences were issued for these areas.

Conclusion

Currently 27 providers hold a German licence for virtual slot machines and thus they may operate in Germany. Another four providers hold a licence for online poker. In the coming weeks and months there will probably only be a small increase in the number of licenced gambling providers. Since the regulations of the Gambling Authority are quite strict, many companies have no chance of acquiring a German licence for slot machines. The GGL is asking for a security of five to 50 million from the licence holders. 

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