Global entity GGL releases Frequently Asked Questions related to the cross-border oversight mechanism for online gambling, known as LUGAS
The Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL) has published a set of FAQs on October 24, 2023, regarding the cross-border gaming supervision system (LUGAS) for players in Germany. These detailed FAQs aim to provide clarity on various aspects of the system, including deposit limits, limit changes, data protection, and issues with gaming providers.
Deposit Limits and Limit Changes
Players in Germany are subject to LUGAS limits that restrict the amount of money they can deposit monthly across all licensed gambling providers. For example, one user reported having a LUGAS limit of €1,000 while depositing over €4,000 that month, indicating deposit limits are strictly enforced to control gambling spend.
The LUGAS system calculates deposit limits on a monthly basis aggregated across all casinos and gambling operators licensed within Germany. This cross-operator tracking ensures players cannot bypass limits by playing at multiple providers.
Personal Data Usage
The system requires sharing personal data across licensed providers to enforce shared deposit limits. This data exchange is managed by the GGL to maintain player protection and prevent circumventing of restrictions. The GGL acts as a regulatory body ensuring compliance with privacy and data protection laws while supervising the market.
Problems with Gaming Providers
The GGL provides channels for players to report issues such as irregularities, unauthorized gambling offers, and advertising violations. Players experiencing problems with providers (e.g., difficulties with deposit limits, account issues, or general support) can contact the GGL through their online contact form or report illegal activities.
Some user discussions mention delayed communications or support responses from providers, highlighting ongoing challenges in customer service. In such cases, players are advised to first check all devices and contact the provider directly to set their status to inactive.
GGL’s Role and Mission
The GGL serves as a central regulatory authority regulating and approving cross-border online gambling offers within Germany, ensuring compliance with player protection rules, youth protection, and gambling addiction prevention. It also coordinates between politics, players, providers, and addiction prevention organizations to oversee a fair and safe gambling market.
Key Points
- Players cannot change the deposit limit themselves, but they can adjust it between 1 and 1,000 euros as prescribed by the GlüStV 2021.
- A reduction in the limit is immediately possible, while an increase takes effect after seven days.
- The history of data cannot be viewed or corrected.
- The cross-operator deposit limit must be changed, not just the operator-specific limit.
- Deposits are only allowed again from the next calendar month in such cases.
- The player ID is a combination of up to 127 characters and can be found in the player profile, often under the name LUGAS-ID.
- To receive help from the GGL, players must provide the correct information, including the name of the gaming provider and the player ID.
- In exceptional cases, the GGL can provide assistance, but players must transmit the necessary information and describe the case.
- The GGL cannot clarify older cases.
- Failed deposits also have to be taken into account due to the legal situation, and a correction is not possible.
The detailed FAQs provided by the GGL offer specific guidance on technical and procedural questions related to the LUGAS system and gaming supervision in Germany. These FAQs are available directly from the GGL website.
What are the steps to increase a deposit limit in the LUGAS system, and how long does the increase take effect?
The deposit limit increase can be done by players between 1 and 1,000 euros as prescribed by the GlüStV 2021, but it takes seven days for the increase to take effect after the request is made.
