German market archive. This article covers gambling rules and news in Germany. It does not describe the law in Ireland, where gambling is overseen by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Guide for players in Ireland
With the implementation of Germany's new gambling state treaty, online casinos are now authorized to advertise on television, ensuring their activities are 100% legal.
As we have observed, several reputable providers now offer captivating video clips. Discover more about online casinos and television advertisements here.
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1️⃣ JackpotPiraten
- License: GGL
- Licensed since: April 27, 2022
- Bonus: Get 50 free spins with a deposit of only 1€ + receive a bonus of 100€.
- Offer: slot machines
- Commercial: The JackpotPirates commercial revolves around the pirate life on the pirate ship. It invites viewers to come on board the first legal online casino in Germany. The creators mention that hundreds of slot machines are already waiting for players.
- Here is our comprehensive review of JackpotPiraten. .
2️⃣ Star games
- License: GGL
- Licensed since: February 2, 2025
- Bonus Offer: Up to €100 + 100 Free Spins
- Offer: slot machines
- Advertisement: The commercial showcases the versatility of the Stargames casino, emphasizing its compatibility across various devices and the accessibility of gaming opportunities for everyone. The advertisement alludes to popular games such as Lucky Lady's Charm Deluxe and Book of Ra.
3️⃣ BingBong
- License: GGL
- Licensed since: April 27, 2022
- Bonus: up to 100 € + 50 free spins
- Offer: slot machines
- Advertisement: In the BingBong commercial, vibrant colors take center stage. It highlights various slot machines like Sizzling Hot Deluxe by Novoline and Eye of Horus by Merkur. Naturally, it wouldn't be complete without mentioning the 50 free spins.
- Here is our full review of BingBong. .
4️⃣ Bet-at-home
- License: GGL
- Licensed since: December 22, 2022
- Bonus Offer: Up to €100 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Offer: slot machines + sports betting
- Advertisement: Bet-at-home's advertisement is currently focused on the sports betting sector. The commercial revolves around a thrilling adrenaline rush experienced by the two main actors. The motto is "Life is a game." However, bet-at-home recently introduced a legal slot offering.
- Discover all the essential information about the bet-at-home slots. .
5️⃣ Interwetten
- License: GGL
- Licensed since: December 27, 2022
- Bonus: up to €100
- Offer: slot machines + sports betting
- Commercial: Interwetten's TV advertisement primarily focuses on its sports betting offering. The emphasis is on game, fun, fairness, and entertainment. It provides a glimpse into the world of Interwetten. However, recently, Interwetten has also introduced an intriguing slot machine offering.
- Here you can find all the information about the Interwetten Casino. .
Legal basis for gambling advertising in Germany: This is what applies!
The gambling landscape has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the new State Treaty on Gambling. The legalization of online gambling was not the only outcome of this new agreement, as it also led to the establishment of numerous fresh regulations and guidelines. These transformative measures have reshaped the realm of gambling, providing a framework that ensures both legality and accountability.
Among other things, there are various regulations regarding gambling advertising that online operators must adhere to. Promotional activities on television or radio are subject to numerous restrictions. We present the most important guidelines regarding promotional measures.
- Only allowed for providers with a German license.
- Pay attention to time windows
- Moderate advertising content permitted
- Provided with mandatory information
Only for providers with a German license.
According to the GlüStV, advertising for gambling is only permitted for providers who hold a German gambling license. However, providers with illegal content are not allowed to advertise at all.
The commercials must align with the objective of the new gambling regulation. This implies that there should be no excessive incentive to engage in gambling. The content should aim to provide information about the gambling services available.
Providers must pay close attention to how exactly the advertisement is designed, as a promotional activity of a legitimate online casino should not encourage undecided individuals to start gambling.
Pay attention to the time window
Authorities prioritize the safety and protection of children and teenagers, which is why advertising targeted towards them is only permitted during specific times. This commitment to safeguarding young people is evident in the newly implemented gambling state treaty, which includes a strict ban on advertisements.
Advertising is not permitted between 6 am and 9 pm. The authorities aim to prevent excessive consumption of advertising among minors and other vulnerable groups. They hope that this restriction will help safeguard these individuals from potential harm.
In the realm of sports betting, the situation is different. There are special regulations in place. Full-day advertising is allowed. However, it must not take place shortly before or during a live match on the broadcasting channel.
Moderate advertising content
Due to the regulations enforced by authorities, gambling operators face restrictions regarding their advertising content. A comprehensive set of guidelines and directives has been put in place to outline the permissible and impermissible content. These guidelines provide a detailed explanation of what types of contents are allowed and what are not. The following contents and measures are deemed allowable:
- Moderate gambling advertising is allowed.
- The TV commercial must align with the objectives of the gambling state treaty.
- The random nature of gambling must always be apparent.
- Paid advertising must be recognizable as such.
- The terms "casino" and "casino games" can only be used if gambling providers also offer online casino games.
The authorities classify numerous promotional activities as impermissible. In terms of gambling advertising, the following are not permitted:
- Misleading and contradictory information.
- Wrong information
- Promising the potential for substantial and lucrative earnings.
- Encouragement to reinvest profits to offset losses.
- Seductive and enticing offers that appear irresistible.
- Claims that imply gambling improves one's financial situation.
- Advertisement in the commercial promoting legal and simultaneously illegal gambling
- Addressing minors with appropriate content and implying that they are eligible to participate.
- Advertising for free gambling offers.
- Timely promotional content (for example: "being quick pays off" or "only today")
Infomercials are prohibited, in addition to all the listed items. Advertising activities within the scope of teleshopping offers are also not allowed and will not be accepted by the GGL.
The GGL is responsible for ensuring compliance with advertising guidelines. Gambling providers are required to submit their advertising concepts in advance. Furthermore, any modifications or additions must be reported to the relevant authority.
Every two years, gambling operators have to request permission to continue developing their advertising concept.
Pay attention to mandatory information
If gambling providers decide to use advertising strategies on television or even radio, it is not only their responsibility to observe the various regulations but also to make the required disclosures diligently. Mandatory disclosures include:
- Information and clarification on the risks of addiction and how to mitigate them.
- Information about assistance services from external providers.
- Prohibition of participation in gambling for minors
The mandatory information must be clearly visible and perceptible throughout the commercial. It is not allowed to simply inform about the dangers of the offers after the commercial has ended.
Creating a connection to the advertised product is generally crucial. For instance, if there is mention of potential maximum winnings, it is essential to provide information about the probability of winning and losing in the very next moment.
However, it is not only the gambling providers who have responsibilities. The broadcasters and advertising partners also have obligations to fulfill. The advertising partners and broadcasters must meticulously document and retain the airing times and advertising spaces. If necessary, the records must be handed over to the regulatory authority.
Frequently Asked Questions: Television Advertising for Online Casinos
- Is every gambling provider allowed to advertise?
No, advertising is only permitted for licensed online casinos. This implies that only providers with a German license have the right to engage in legal gambling advertising.
- Is only advertising for gambling allowed in Schleswig-Holstein?
No, it is no longer limited to Schleswig-Holstein. With the introduction of a new gambling treaty, advertising for legal gambling is now permitted nationwide in Germany. This expansion allows for a broader reach and accessibility to promote responsible gaming across the country.
- Are radio advertisements also subject to the strict regulations of the GGL?
Advertising methods, both permitted and prohibited, are not limited to television commercials alone. This also holds true for radio advertisements.