Spielhallenerlaubnis

Would you like to operate an amusement arcade or a business that provides gaming machines with the possibility of winning? You will need a permit for this.

If you wish to operate an amusement arcade or a business that serves to set up slot machines or gaming machines with the possibility of winning or to organize other games, you require a permit.

- Informal application for a gaming arcade license
- Information from the central trade register
- Extract from the commercial register of the country in which the head office is located;
- Translation of the extract from the commercial register, if applicable
- Information from the Federal Central Register (certificate of good conduct)
- Valid identity card or passport (with current registration certificate)
- Certificate in tax matters from the responsible tax office
- Lease, purchase or rental agreement as well as the floor plan of the commercially used rooms
- Permission to set up gaming devices with the possibility of winning (in accordance with Section 33c (1) of the German Trade Regulation Act (GewO))
- Confirmation of the suitability of the installation site for a gaming machine (in accordance with Section 33c (3) GewO)
- Social concept and proof of training (in accordance with Section 4 (1) HSpielhG). Further information can be found on the website of the Hessische Landesstelle für Suchtfragen e. V.:

In accordance with Section 2 (1) HSpielhG, an application is a prerequisite for the granting of a gaming hall license. The necessary evidence must be provided by the applicant in the form of suitable presentations, concepts and certificates and submitted together with the application.

Any person wishing to operate a gaming arcade requires a permit in accordance with Section 2 of the Hessian Gaming Arcades Act (HSpielhG). An application must first be submitted to the competent regulatory authority of the municipality or city in which the arcade is to be set up or operated. The required evidence must be submitted with the application. The regulatory authority then decides whether to grant the permit. This may be subject to an ancillary provision or condition and must be limited to a maximum period of 15 years.

The processing time varies from licensing authority to licensing authority. Please enquire with your competent authority.

None. An application for a gaming arcade permit can be submitted at any time, provided the requirements are met.

The competent authority may require payment of an advance on costs (in accordance with Section 16 of the Hessian Administrative Costs Act (HVwKostG)).
Information on the enforcement of the Hessian Gaming Halls Act can be found on the website of the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport (under Citizens and the State > Gambling). This information is not of a formal legal nature, but provides assistance in the application of the Gaming Halls Act.

Contact the regulatory authority of the municipality or city concerned.

The municipal council is the competent authority for issuing licenses in accordance with the HSpielhG as well as monitoring and enforcing this law, in particular taking action against illegal gaming facilities (Section 11 (1) HSpielhG). Which municipality is responsible depends on where the arcade is to be built.