Other games with the possibility of winning: Permission
Anyone wishing to organize other games with the possibility of winning on a commercial basis (e.g. games of skill) requires a permit from the competent authority. The permit must be applied for.
A game of skill is deemed to exist if the person playing the game 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 generally authorize the organization of games of chance, but only refers to a specific game. It is tied to the person and the venue. Any natural or legal person can be the holder of the permit. In the case of partnerships, each managing partner requires their own permit.
The permit may be issued for a limited period or subject to conditions if this is necessary for the protection of the general public, guests, residents of the premises or neighboring properties or in the interests of the protection of minors. Subsequent inclusion, amendment and addition of conditions is also permitted.
There are also games with the possibility of winning that are exempt from licensing (usually with prizes worth a maximum of 60.00 euros).
A permit for gaming machines with the possibility of winnings is required for gaming machines with money or merchandise.
Responsibility lies with the municipality, the joint municipality and the city.
This procedure can also be handled by a "single point of contact". The "Single Point of Contact" is a special service offered by the municipalities and the state for service providers.
General requirements
- Possession of a clearance certificate from the Federal Criminal Police Office or a copy thereof
- the required reliability for the organization of games with the possibility of winning - both of the person operating the game and of the person operating the business in whose establishment the game is to be organized
- Anyone who has been convicted of a crime, theft, embezzlement, extortion, receiving stolen goods, fraud, embezzlement, unauthorized organization of a game of chance, participation in unauthorized gambling or an offence under Section 12 of the German Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) in the three years prior to submitting the application does not have the required reliability.
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 prize money
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. A maximum of 3 such games may be organized in restaurants.
- Identity card or passport, if applicable
- Articles of association, if applicable
- for registered companies
- Extract from the commercial register
- for a GmbH & Co. KG
- Extract for the GmbH and the KG
- Certificate of good conduct (document type O)
- Information from the central trade register
- Clearance certificate from the Federal Criminal Police Office or a copy thereof
In the case of legal entities, these documents must be provided for all persons authorized to represent the company in accordance with the law, articles of association or partnership agreement (e.g. managing directors, board members). In the case of legal entities, the information from the central trade register must also be submitted for the legal entity.
In the case of traders from another EU member state or an EEA member state, documents issued in the country of origin can be used to prove that the requirements regarding the reliability and orderly financial circumstances of the trader are met.
The amount of the fees is determined in accordance with Annex 1 to Section 1 (1) of the General Fee Regulations of the State of Lower Saxony No. 40.1.9.3 - depending on the time spent. However, the maximum fee is EUR 1,180.00.
Deadlines may have to be observed. Please contact the responsible office.
