Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in Germany
Germany has one of the broadest national exclusion systems in Europe. The OASIS register, operated by the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt, covers licensed online gambling as well as amusement arcades, casinos, betting shops and most lottery sales involving higher-risk products. Licensed operators must check OASIS before every session. If you do not choose a period, a self-exclusion runs for at least one year; you can choose a shorter period but not less than three months. The exclusion never ends automatically: you must apply in writing to lift it. Licensed online operators must also offer a 'panic button' that blocks you for 24 hours immediately. OASIS is free, but it cannot reach unlicensed offshore sites.
- Scheme
- OASIS
- Type
- National register
- Minimum
- 3 months (1 year if no period chosen)
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
Choose your route
Apply directly to the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt using its online application, or ask any licensed operator, arcade, casino or betting shop to file the exclusion for you. Operators are required to accept and forward the request.
- 2
Prepare identification
You need a copy of a valid identity card (Personalausweis) or passport; a driving licence is not accepted. Your application must carry your handwritten signature.
- 3
Decide the duration
State a period of at least three months, or leave it open, in which case it lasts at least one year. You cannot shorten the period once registered.
- 4
Use the panic button meanwhile
While your application is processed, press the panic button in your licensed account. It blocks you across all licensed providers for 24 hours.
- 5
What happens next
Once entered, licensed online and land-based operators must refuse you. Licensed sites check OASIS at every login, so you cannot sign in or open new accounts.
- 6
Request information
You can ask the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt for a statement of your OASIS entry (Auskunft) to confirm the exclusion and its earliest end date.
- 7
Lifting the exclusion
After the minimum period, send a signed written application with an ID copy to the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt. For self-exclusions, the lifting takes effect no earlier than one week after your application arrives.
Before you start — what to know
- OASIS covers licensed online gambling, amusement arcades, casinos and betting shops; operators must check it every time.
- The exclusion does not end when the period runs out. It stays until you submit a written application to lift it.
- Relatives and operators can request a third-party exclusion (Fremdsperre) where there are signs of harm; this lasts at least one year.
- Unlicensed offshore sites do not check OASIS. Check the GGL whitelist and use blocking software and bank blocks as extra layers.
- The 24-hour panic button is a short-term tool only and does not replace a full OASIS self-exclusion.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online casino legal in Germany?
Virtual slot machines and online poker are legal through GGL-licensed operators. Online table games such as roulette and blackjack are regulated state by state, either as a monopoly or through limited licences.
What is the €1,000 deposit limit?
Players may deposit no more than €1,000 per month across all licensed operators combined, monitored through the central LUGAS file. Higher limits are possible only in tightly controlled exceptions.
Can I cancel an OASIS self-exclusion early?
No. You can apply only after the minimum period, in writing with ID, and for a self-exclusion the lifting takes effect no earlier than a week after your application arrives.
What happened to the BZgA helpline?
The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) became the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) in 2025. The free gambling helpline and check-dein-spiel.de continue under the new name.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.