Bremen Pushes for Strict Review of German Gambling Regulations

The regulation of gambling in Germany is entering a critical phase. Since the introduction of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling in July 2021, the market has undergone a fundamental transformation. Virtual slot games and online poker are legally permitted nationwide under strict conditions, but debates regarding the actual protective impact of these measures persist. The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is now taking an active role in critically questioning past experiences and setting the course for the coming years. This is not merely about bureaucratic details, but about the core of prevention: how to protect individuals from the trap of addiction without driving them into illegality.

Bremen is concentrating its contributions to the evaluation primarily on three key areas: advertising, limits, and age restrictions. Bremen's officials view these instruments as the most important levers for ensuring youth protection and combating addiction in the digital age. Since online gambling is more present today through social media and sponsoring than ever before, simple controls in the analog world are no longer sufficient. Although the complexity of coordination between all 16 federal states is high, Bremen remains optimistic that the schedule for the final report can be met.

Numbers and facts

The central question is whether the instruments introduced since 2021 are developing the desired effect in practice. According to official statements, the evaluation report is expected to be available by the end of 2026. This report serves as the basis for potential legislative adjustments. A central element of German regulation is the cross-provider deposit limit, which is generally set at 1,000 euros per month. Bremen is specifically examining how flexible these limits should be and what evidence players must provide to use higher amounts. The visibility of the legal market is also a critical point, as channeling only succeeds if licensed providers remain discoverable to customers without setting aggressive incentives to play.

Background

The conflict between channeling and protection is the defining theme of the evaluation. If rules are perceived as too strict, players migrate to unlicensed offers, which are often based in jurisdictions like Curacao. These offshore sites lack any protective mechanisms such as the LUGAS database or the OASIS lock system. Bremen emphasizes that a legal market should not be measured by its growth alone. Success in this context primarily means that the black market is pushed back while the number of gambling addicts is minimized.

"The legal market needs attention so that players do not migrate to unlicensed offers. At the same time, advertising must not be so aggressive that it specifically addresses vulnerable people or young target groups." - Representative of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, statement on the gambling evaluation

The scientific investigation within the framework of the evaluation will also scrutinize bonus models and discount promotions. These are considered particularly sensitive because they can entice players to play longer or with higher stakes than originally planned. Digital systems like LUGAS play a key role here. Only if identity checks and limit monitoring function in real-time can the state treaty fulfill its purpose.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, Bremen's initiative primarily means one thing: the rules are likely to become stricter rather than more relaxed. Those currently playing in online casinos with a German license are already bound by the monthly limit of 1,000 euros and the stake limit of 1 euro per game round for slots. The evaluation by the end of 2026 will show whether these hurdles are sufficient or whether youth protection needs further improvement. In particular, identity verification could become even stricter through new technical standards to more consistently exclude minors. Players should prepare for the possibility that bonus offers could be more heavily regulated in the future to avoid setting false incentives. At the same time, the goal remains to increase safety for consumers through the supervision of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos with a license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the States must prepare for a phase of intensive review. The results of the evaluation in 2026 could lead to new requirements for the design of websites, advertising campaigns, and bonus programs. Providers that strictly adhere to the specifications of the GlüStV 2021, however, have the advantage of legal certainty. Compared to MGA or Curacao providers, GGL-licensed portals offer a level of protection through the connection to LUGAS and OASIS that is now to be scientifically underpinned. For operators, this means high technical effort but also the opportunity to establish themselves as a serious part of a controlled market.