Anyone who wants to operate a Casino or an Online Casino needs a concession. This is the official permission of an authority to operate Games of chance (also on the Internet). This concession is sometimes also referred to as a license. Without a valid concession, offering games of chance both online and offline is illegal. Accordingly, players should definitely keep their hands off providers who do not have a valid concession.
Every reputable online casino is in possession of a valid concession or license. The decisive factor here is first of all who granted the concession. Since the new State Treaty on Gaming (GlüStV) came into force on July 1, 2021, providers can also apply for a German license, for example. However, gambling providers applying for such a license must implement strict Player protection measures. These include, for example, the 5-second rule, the maximum stake of one euro per spin, and the cross-provider monthly Deposit limit of 1,000 euros per player. Another popular licensor is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). It has been granting licenses for online casinos for many years, but also imposes comparatively strict conditions.
Anyone wishing to obtain a concession in order to open an arcade or gaming house in Germany must fulfill numerous licensing requirements and then submit the corresponding applications. Depending on the federal state, documents disclosing all partners and shareholders, including their shareholdings, are usually required. In addition, police clearance certificates and the relevant rental agreements for the premises must be submitted. Other documents required include an extract from the debtors' register, a negative certificate from the insolvency court, an extract from the commercial register and a business plan. If the concession is granted, it is specified in each case exactly in which premises the gaming establishment may be operated and also defines, for example, the maximum number of gaming machines permitted.