Check the License Number Against the Official Register
A German online casino is safe to use only if it holds a current license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the joint gambling authority that oversees all 16 German states. The casino must display its license number on the site — usually at the bottom of the homepage or in the footer.
Take that license number and search it on the GGL's official register at www.gluecksspielbeh.de. The register shows the operator's name, the license issue date, and the expiration date. If the number does not appear in the register, or if the expiration date has passed, the casino is operating illegally in Germany and you should not deposit money there.
The license number format is always a sequence of digits and letters — for example, GLO-2021-00001. Casinos sometimes display fake or outdated numbers, so the register check is not optional; it is the only way to confirm the license is real and current.
Key Takeaways
- Every licensed German casino displays its GGL license number, which you can verify when ready on the official register at www.gluecksspielbeh.de.
- The register shows the operator name, issue date, and expiration date — if the number is not there or the license has expired, the casino is illegal.
- Licensed casinos must use encryption to protect your payment details and personal information, and this is listed in the license terms.
- A licensed casino in Germany is required to offer tools to set deposit limits, take breaks, or self-exclude, and these must be straightforward to find in your account settings.
- If a casino refuses to show a license number or the number does not check out, report it to the GGL at beschwerde@gluecksspielbeh.de.
Look for Encryption and find Payment Methods
Before you enter any payment information, check that the casino uses SSL encryption, which scrambles your data so it cannot be read if intercepted. You will see a padlock icon in the address bar of your browser, and the web address will start with https:// rather than http://. If either of these is missing, do not enter your card details or bank account information.
Licensed German casinos must offer payment methods that are regulated in Germany. The safest options are SEPA bank transfer, Giropay, and Sofortüberweisung (now Klarna), because these connect directly to your bank and do not require you to store card details on the casino site. Credit cards and e-wallets like PayPal are also common, but only use them if the casino is licensed and encrypted.
Avoid casinos that accept only cryptocurrency or wire transfers to offshore accounts. These payment routes make it harder to dispute charges or recover money if something goes wrong.
Confirm the Casino Offers Responsible Gambling Tools
German gambling law requires every licensed casino to offer tools that let you control your own spending. These must include the ability to set a deposit limit (a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month), take a break (pause your account for a set period), or self-exclude (close your account permanently).
Log into your account and look for these options in the settings or account menu — they should be labeled clearly and take effect when ready or within 24 hours. If you cannot find them, or if the casino makes it difficult to use them, that is a sign the operator is not following German rules.
Licensed casinos also display information about problem gambling resources, including the telephone number for the Telefonseelsorge (1-800-1110111 or 1-800-1110222) and links to Gamblers Anonymous Germany. If these resources are missing, the casino may not be licensed.
Read the Terms for Withdrawal and Dispute Rules
Before you deposit, read the casino's terms and conditions — specifically the sections on withdrawals and complaints. A licensed German casino must allow you to withdraw your winnings within a reasonable time, usually 5 to 10 business days. If the terms say withdrawals take weeks or require you to play through your winnings multiple times before you can cash out, that is a red flag.
The terms must also explain how to file a complaint if something goes wrong — for example, if a withdrawal is delayed or a bonus is not credited. Licensed casinos have a formal dispute process and must respond to complaints within 30 days. If the terms do not mention a complaint procedure, or if they say disputes are final and non-negotiable, the casino is likely not licensed.
Check whether the casino is covered by a player protection fund. Some licensed operators contribute to a fund that reimburses players if the casino becomes insolvent. This information is usually in the terms or on the license page.
Avoid Red Flags That Signal an Unlicensed Operator
Unlicensed casinos often use tricks to look legitimate. They may display a fake license number, use a domain name that looks German (like .de) but is actually registered outside Germany, or claim to be licensed by a foreign authority that has no power in Germany.
Other warning signs include: no clear contact information (only a contact form, no phone number or email), no mention of responsible gambling tools, promises of unusually high bonuses or may provide wins, and pressure to deposit quickly. Licensed casinos do offer bonuses, but they are transparent about the terms and do not use urgency tactics.
If a casino's website is poorly translated, has broken links, or looks outdated, that is also a sign it may not be legitimate. Licensed operators invest in professional websites because they are regulated and accountable.
Report Unlicensed Casinos to the GGL
If you find a casino that claims to serve German players but does not have a valid GGL license, or if you have a dispute with a licensed casino that it will not resolve, you can report it to the gambling authority.
Send a complaint to the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder at beschwerde@gluecksspielbeh.de. Include the casino's name, website address, and a description of the problem. The GGL investigates complaints and can take action against unlicensed operators, including blocking their websites in Germany.
You can also report unlicensed casinos to your state's gambling authority directly — each of the 16 German states has its own office. The GGL website lists contact details for each state.
Understand What a License Does and Does Not may provide
A GGL license means the casino has met German standards for security, fair games, and player protection. It does not mean the casino will never have problems, or that you will always win, or that your money is insured if the casino goes bankrupt.
A license guarantees that the casino uses certified random number generators (so games are fair), that your personal data is encrypted, that the operator has passed background checks, and that responsible gambling tools are available. It does not may provide that bonuses will be straightforward to claim, that customer service will be fast, or that the casino will not close.
If you lose money at a licensed casino, that is a gambling loss, not a scam — unless the casino broke its license terms. If you believe the casino cheated you or broke the rules, file a complaint with the GGL and provide evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a casino's license is real?
Go to www.gluecksspielbeh.de and search for the license number in the official register. If the number appears with a current expiration date and matches the operator name on the website, the license is real. If the number is not in the register, or if the expiration date has passed, the license is fake or expired.
Can I use a casino licensed in another country instead of Germany?
You can, but you have less legal protection. If you use a casino licensed in Malta, the UK, or another country, German gambling law does not explore, and you cannot file a complaint with the GGL. A German-licensed casino is safer because it is regulated by German authorities and must follow German player protection rules.
What should I do if I cannot find the license number on a casino's website?
Contact the casino's customer service and ask for the license number. If they cannot provide one, or if the number does not appear in the GGL register, do not deposit money. The casino is either unlicensed or operating illegally in Germany.
Are all German online casinos required to have the same license?
Yes. All casinos that want to operate legally in Germany must hold a license from the GGL. There is only one licensing body for online gambling in Germany, so there is no such thing as a "state license" or "alternative license" for online casinos.
What happens if I deposit money at an unlicensed casino?
You have no legal recourse if something goes wrong. The casino is not regulated, so it does not have to honor withdrawals, protect your data, or respond to complaints. You may lose your money with no way to recover it. Always check the license before you deposit.