Basics
Betting shop opening hours: what applies and which closing times exist
Betting shops largely set their own opening hours, but state-law closing times can limit them. These differ from one federal state to the next, and there is no single nationwide rule. To find out when a betting shop is open, ask at the shop directly if in doubt.
Operators set their own opening hours, and federal states can impose closing times. When a betting shop is open varies by region and from shop to shop. If in doubt, ask at the betting shop directly or check the operator's website.
What opening hours do betting shops have?
There are no uniform nationwide opening hours for betting shops. Each operator sets its own hours within the closing times, which vary by federal state and municipality. The most reliable way to check is the shop's page or a quick phone call.
Our location search shows when a betting shop near you is open. It lists the opening hours of many branches. Hours may differ on public holidays.
Weekday
- Opening often at midday or early afternoon
- Operation until the evening
- Quiet in the morning
- Varies by location
Weekend
- Often open longer on matchdays
- Saturday frequently the busiest day
- Sunday limited depending on the federal state
- Closing times possible
These are general guide figures. The operator sets the actual hours.
Why are there closing times for betting shops?
High-street gambling falls under state law in Germany. Each federal state can set closing times for betting shops in its own law implementing the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, during which the shops must stay shut. The aim is player protection: rest breaks are meant to force a pause in play and make problem gambling harder.
The times, and how they are applied, differ considerably from one federal state to the next. Blanket statements about specific times would be misleading here, so the rule is simple: if in doubt, ask the operator or the local authority. This applies to daily closing times as well as any special arrangements on Sundays and public holidays.
| Regulatory level | Who decides | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Federal framework | GlüStV 2021 (all states jointly) | Licence requirement, player protection rules |
| State law | The respective federal state | Specific closing times, Sunday arrangements |
| Operator | Individual shop operator | Exact opening hours within the framework of state law |
What does the Interstate Treaty on Gambling regulate?
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV) sets the framework under state law and leaves the detail to the federal states. Among other things, it requires betting shops to hold a licence from the responsible authority. Without one, operating is illegal.
The betting shops themselves are supervised by the responsible authorities of the federal states. Since 2023, the GGL, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States, based in Halle an der Saale, has been responsible for licensing and supervising sports betting operators. For more on the licence requirement, see our guide GGL licence and legal sports betting. High-street betting shops always need a valid licence to operate legally.
When can I place live bets at the betting shop?
You can place live bets at the betting shop as long as the shop is open. In the shop, live bets are only allowed on the final result and the next goal. Our guide Live betting at the betting shop explains how it works.
Whether the self-service terminal can still be used once the counter closes depends on the location and its closing times. If in doubt, ask in the shop.
What can I do if the betting shop is closed?
If your betting shop is closed, you can check whether another location nearby is open. Use the betting shop near you search for this.
Our comparison of betting shops and online betting explains how betting in a shop and online differ.
What do opening hours have to do with player protection?
Closing times serve player protection as well as regulatory goals. Anyone who bets on sport regularly can set a deposit limit or self-exclude through the central OASIS blocking system. OASIS is run by the Darmstadt Regional Council. A self-exclusion applies nationwide and covers both high-street betting shops and the online services of licensed providers.
For more on limits and self-exclusion, see our guides Applying for self-exclusion and Deposit limits in sports betting. For any questions about gambling addiction, the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) helps on the free number 0800 1372700.
More from the Knowledge section
Sources and further information: GGL: Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States, Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021
Frequently asked questions
Are betting shops open on Sundays?
Sunday opening depends on the operator and the federal state. Some shops open on Sundays, others don't. State law can also impose closing times. The surest way to check is with the operator or on its website.
Are there statutory closing times for betting shops?
Yes, closing times are possible under state law and differ from one federal state to the next. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 sets the framework, while each federal state sets the exact rules itself. A blanket statement about specific times would not be reliable.
What happens if a bet runs out after the shop closes?
The outcome of a bet depends on the result of the match, not on whether the shop is shut. You can present a winning slip on your next visit, within the valid redemption period. That deadline is set out in the terms of participation and is often several months.
Are the opening hours different for each betting shop?
Yes. Each operator sets its own hours within the limits of state law. A shop in a pedestrian zone may keep different hours from a smaller or a larger betting shop. If in doubt, ask directly.
Which authority monitors betting shop closing times?
Closing times for high-street betting shops are set at state level and monitored by the responsible authorities of the federal states. These authorities supervise the betting shops on site. The GGL, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States, based in Halle, is responsible for licensing sports betting operators.
