Germany’s Gambling Regulator Clarifies What Qualifies as an ‘Online Casino’

A new legal clarification from Germany's gambling authority is drawing attention across the European gambling sector. Last week, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) confirmed that the term “online casino” can only be used for licensed operators offering classic table games like blackjack and roulette. Platforms focused solely on virtual slots, poker, or other gambling services must use precise descriptions based on what they offer. The announcement is designed to reduce misleading branding and improve clarity for both regulators and consumers.

What the GGL Actually Said

According to the GGL, many online gambling sites continue to use broad labels, confusing players and regulators alike. This has become especially relevant since Germany's new State Treaty on Gambling came into effect in July 2021, allowing for licensed virtual slots and poker but limiting table games to certain state-level concessions. By formally narrowing the definition of an "online casino," the GGL is enforcing a clear distinction between site categories and reminding operators that misuse of terms can result in penalties or license suspension.

A full-service online casino typically offers a wide range of gambling products designed to replicate the experience of a traditional land-based venue. For example, offshore sites such as Dutch, Italian, or Slovenian online casinos would typically include classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, available in both virtual and live dealer formats. In addition to table games, they provide extensive slot libraries featuring bonus features and progressive jackpots. 

Other common offerings include video poker, instant-win games, and sometimes sports betting and lottery-style games under the same umbrella. Many of these casinos also offer loyalty programs, tournaments, and integrated payment systems to create a seamless user experience. 

Germany’s current legal definition, on the other hand, significantly limits the use of the term “online casino” to state-approved operators offering table games only. Platforms that provide just virtual slots or poker cannot legally market themselves under that label, creating a clearer distinction between site types under German law.

How Other Countries Define ‘Online Casino’

Germany isn’t alone in drawing clear lines around what qualifies as an online casino. Other European nations have also established strict definitions to govern their digital gambling markets.

In the United Kingdom, the Gambling Commission licenses online casinos that offer games of chance, such as slots and live dealer tables. Sweden’s Spelinspektionen has similar provisions under its Gambling Act, which came into effect in 2019, requiring all licensed operators to clearly distinguish between game types and provide built-in tools for player safety.

The Netherlands, under its Remote Gambling Act, limits the term “online casino” to operators offering approved games of chance with verified consumer protections. In Denmark and Spain, regulators also specify how online casinos must operate, from licensing and game approval to advertising rules and deposit limits.

Each of these countries differs in detail, but the underlying message is the same: the term “online casino” can’t be used loosely, and operators must match the label with properly licensed services.

A Broader Trend in EU Gambling Oversight

Germany isn’t the only country taking a closer look at how gambling websites present themselves. Regulators in places like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain have also taken steps to enforce stricter compliance on marketing language and platform transparency.

This growing attention to detail reflects increasing concern about consumer protection and advertising ethics. EU lawmakers have long debated the need for unified standards, and actions like the GGL's clarification are giving that idea more weight. Countries that have yet to make clear distinctions between game types and platform categories could soon be under pressure to update their rules.

Why This Matters to Local and International Operators

Across the European Union, gambling regulators are tightening the language used to describe online gaming platforms. Online gambling operators across Europe and sites regulated in jurisdictions like Malta are now under pressure to be exact about how they market their services. 

For example, a platform offering only virtual slot machines can no longer advertise itself as an online casino in Germany. Instead, it must label itself accurately to reflect its limited scope. This doesn't just affect German operators; any foreign operator targeting German players has to comply, including Germany’s advertising regulations.

Compliance goes beyond just terminology. Operators may need to adjust their homepage layouts, license disclosures, and game categorisation to ensure there is no ambiguity. Regulators are making it clear that branding isn’t a grey area; it’s enforceable.

What Comes Next

As enforcement tightens, gambling platforms operating across multiple European markets may find themselves revisiting how they describe and promote their services. Germany's move sets a practical example of how regulatory clarity can be achieved without waiting for a full EU directive.

For now, operators will need to monitor how this clarification is enforced in Germany and prepare for the possibility of similar moves elsewhere in the EU. Staying compliant isn’t just about holding the right license; it’s about saying the right things, in the right way, to the right audience.