GlüStV (Interstate Treaty on Gambling)
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 is the central German set of rules for gambling and sports betting. It has applied in all federal states since 1 July 2021.
At a glance
What does the Interstate Treaty on Gambling regulate?
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV for short) is the federal states' joint legal basis for gambling in Germany. The 2021 version regulated the market uniformly nationwide for the first time and has applied since 1 July 2021. Since then, providers with a licence may legally offer sports betting, online as well as on site at the betting shop.
The treaty sets out who gets a licence, which protection rules apply to players and how betting may be advertised.
The most important rules for bettors
- Licence requirement: Only vetted providers may offer sports betting.
- Minimum age 18: Betting is only permitted from the age of 18, and at betting shops in Bremen only from 21 under state law.
- Player protection: A blocking system, deposit limits and information are mandatory.
- Advertising limits: Advertising for betting is only permitted to a limited extent.
- Supervision: The GGL monitors compliance with the rules.
Why is there the GlüStV?
Before 2021, the legal situation was confusing and many offers operated in a grey area. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling creates clear rules, channels play into licensed and controlled paths and puts the protection of players at the centre. This makes it possible to distinguish reputable providers from illegal offers.
What does that mean at the betting shop?
A betting shop in Germany works with a provider that meets the requirements of the GlüStV and is supervised by the GGL. The betting shop itself is supervised by the responsible authorities of the federal states. As a result, the same protection rules apply on site as online, for example age verification and access to the blocking system. Sports betting remains an offer exclusively for adults. More on the licensing requirement in the guide GGL licence and legal sports betting.
Also known as: Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021, GlüStV 2021
Find a betting shop near you
Tipico betting shops in your town, with address, opening hours and directions.
Sources: Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV) · Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States
Frequently asked questions about GlüStV (Interstate Treaty on Gambling)
What is the Interstate Treaty on Gambling?
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV) is the federal states' joint set of rules for gambling in Germany. It regulates licences, player protection, advertising and the blocking system and has applied since 1 July 2021.
When does the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 apply?
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 has applied nationwide in all 16 states since 1 July 2021. Since then, providers with a licence may legally offer sports betting, online as well as at the betting shop.
Why is the GlüStV important for bettors?
The GlüStV secures clear protection rules: minimum age 18 (21 in Bremen under state law), deposit limits, access to the blocking system and limits on advertising. It ensures that only vetted providers are on the market.
