How far can licensed providers go in cases of limit violations – and what happens if even self-earned profits are not paid out?
Many online sports betting customers associate a German license with clear expectations: state control, effective player protection and reliable payouts.
However, this trust is shaken when a licensed operator not only touches legal boundaries but significantly exceeds them – and ultimately even withholds profits.
The legal framework is clear. Section 6c of the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 obliges online sports betting providers to a cross-provider monthly deposit limit of €1,000 in principle. Once this limit is reached, further deposits are not permitted. The provider must ensure this technically.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL) explains: Limit control is carried out via the connection to the central limit file LUGAS. Wird das Limit ausgeschöpft, müssen zusätzliche Einzahlungen systemseitig blockiert werden.
There is an exception: an increased limit of up to €10,000 is possible. Die Stufe zwischen 10.000 € und 30.000 € darf nach Vorgaben der GGL jedoch nur maximal einem Prozent der aktiven Spielenden pro Anbieter gewährt werden.
This means that €30,000 per month represents the absolute maximum limit under licensing law.
In a recent case, a player was able to deposit over €90,000 within a few weeks – with a licensed provider.
This significantly exceeds even the highest “High Limit” level. The betting statements also showed winnings of over €50,000.
The provider not only disregarded the limit, but also subsequently refused to make the payment.
This is no longer a mere technical problem, but rather a question of market integrity.
Licensed providers must not behave like a “black market light”.
The 2021 State Treaty on Gambling also requires a self-guarantee bank guarantee of at least €5 million to secure payment claims.
This security deposit is intended to ensure that legitimate claims for payment can be enforced.
The state treaty provides for graduated supervisory measures up to and including license revocation.
We have informed GGL about the incident. In parallel, the claims are regularly pursued under civil law.
For those affected:
The deposit limit is binding and technically implementable.
The €30,000 threshold is the exception, not the rule.
The license does not protect against regulatory measures.
The bank guarantee serves to secure legitimate claims.
Proceed:
Secure the evidence.
Request a written invoice.
Report any abnormalities to the GGL.
Proceed under civil law.
