Games with the possibility of winning; application for a permit for the event

Anyone wishing to organize another game with the possibility of winning on a commercial basis requires a permit from the competent authority. Another game" primarily refers to games of skill.

A game of skill is deemed to exist if the player can determine the outcome of the game with a high degree of probability through skill or their own knowledge according to the game equipment and the rules of the game. In contrast, in games of chance, the decision on winning and losing is predominantly determined by chance.

The permit does not entitle you to organize games of chance in general, but only relates to a specific event. The permit is tied to the person and the venue.

Permission can be granted to natural and legal persons. In the case of partnerships without legal personality (e.g. OHG, KG), a permit is required for each managing partner; this also applies to limited partners if they have management authority and are therefore to be regarded as traders. In the case of legal entities (e.g. GmbH, AG), the permit is issued to the legal entity.

There are also games with the possibility of winning that are exempt from licensing (usually with prizes worth no more than EUR 60). Check with the responsible municipality beforehand whether or not you require a permit for a particular game.

General requirements

• You are in possession of a clearance certificate from the Federal Criminal Police Office (in the case of traveling trade: from the State Criminal Police Office) or a copy thereof.
• You and the trader in whose establishment the game is to be organized have the necessary reliability for the organization of games with the possibility of winning.
  Note: You do not have the required reliability if you have been convicted of a crime, theft, embezzlement, extortion, receiving stolen goods, money laundering, concealment of unlawfully obtained assets, fraud, embezzlement, illegal organization of a game of chance, participation in illegal gambling or an offence under Section 27 of the German Youth Protection Act in the three years prior to submitting your application.

Additional requirements for games with cash prizes

• The game must be organized in an arcade or similar establishment.
• A maximum of three such games may be organized there.

Requirements for games with prizes

The game must

• at public festivals, shooting festivals or similar events,
• fairs or special markets or
• in restaurants or accommodation establishments (with the exception of those that are predominantly frequented by children and young people)

be organized.

You can apply for permission in writing or via the online procedure at the responsible office. A simple e-mail is not sufficient.

You must provide the required information and submit any documents that may be relevant to the assessment of your application.

The permit may be granted for a limited period or subject to conditions if this is necessary to protect the general public, guests, residents of the premises or neighboring properties or in the interests of the protection of minors. Conditions may also be added, amended or supplemented at a later date.

If you wish to set up gaming devices with the possibility of winning (slot machines or gaming devices with goods), you require a permit in accordance with Section 33c of the GewO.

If you wish to organize another game within the meaning of Section 33d of the GewO in the "itinerant trade", you require a permit in accordance with Section 60a of the GewO from the competent authority for the respective place of business. Please note that different fees may be associated with this than with the "standing trade".

none

approx. 3 - 5 weeks

• Event permit: 100 to 2,000 EUR
• Subsequent inclusion, amendment or addition of a condition: EUR 50 to 500
• Certificate of good conduct and extract from the central trade register: EUR 13 each

Administrative court action