Germany Poker Regulations – Complete Guide 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer: Online gambling regulations change frequently. This page reflects information current as of early 2026. Always verify with the official regulatory body before playing.
🇩🇪 Poker Regulations in Germany
Germany fully regulated online poker in July 2021 under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag). The GGL serves as the central regulatory authority, issuing nationwide licenses for online poker operators. Germany represents one of Europe’s largest regulated poker markets with strict player protection measures including deposit limits, mandatory session timers, and a centralized player exclusion system (OASIS).
📋 Regulatory Overview
| Status | ✅ Regulated & Licensed |
| Regulatory Authority | GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) |
| Year Regulated | 2021 |
| Key Legislation | Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (GlüStV 2021) |
🔑 Key Regulations for Online Poker
Licensed operators must enforce a €1,000 monthly deposit limit per player across all platforms. Sessions require mandatory cool-down periods and activity pop-ups. Multi-tabling is restricted under current GGL guidelines. Operators pay a 5.3% turnover tax on poker rake, which has impacted the liquidity available to German players. Only operators holding a valid GGL license may legally offer online poker to German residents. Unlicensed offshore sites are actively blocked via ISP-level domain restrictions.
🏢 Live Poker in Germany
Germany has a thriving live poker scene centered around commercial casinos in major cities including Berlin (Spielbank Berlin), Hamburg, Dortmund (Hohensyburg), and Bad Homburg (King’s Casino nearby in Rozvadov, Czech Republic is hugely popular with German players). The German Poker Tour and regular WSOP Circuit stops make Germany a key European live poker destination.
💡 What Players Should Know
German players should only play on GGL-licensed platforms. The centralized OASIS exclusion system covers all licensed operators. Tournament winnings are generally tax-free for recreational players, though professional players may face income tax obligations. VPN usage to access unlicensed sites carries legal risks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is online poker legal in Germany?
Yes, online poker has been fully regulated in Germany since July 2021 under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GluckSpielStaatsVertrag). Players can legally play on GGL-licensed platforms.
What is the GGL?
The GGL (Gemeinsame Glucksspielbehorde der Lander) is Germany’s central gambling authority responsible for licensing and regulating all online poker operators in the country.
Are there deposit limits for German poker players?
Yes, German regulations impose a monthly deposit limit of EUR 1,000 across all licensed gambling sites. Players can apply for a higher limit with documentation.
Can I play on PokerStars from Germany?
Yes, PokerStars holds a GGL license and offers a regulated poker product for German players, though some features may differ from the global client.
🔗 Explore More About German Poker
- 🃏 Live Poker Clubs in Germany – Find Spielbanken and poker rooms across all German states
- ⭐ Famous German Poker Players – Fedor Holz, Ole Schemion, Dominik Nitsche and more
- 🌟 PokerStars Review – Licensed in Germany, world’s largest poker room
- 🎉 partypoker Review – Major European network with German presence