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Apply for a gambling hall permit

If you want to operate a gambling hall commercially, you need a permit. A permit is also required if you are running a business and want to set up cash or commodity gaming machines with a chance to win. Permission is also required if your business is used...

If you want to operate a gambling hall commercially, you need a permit. A permit is also required if you are running a business and want to set up cash or commodity gaming machines with a chance to win. Permission is also required if your business is used to host other games.

Please note that you apply for the permit in good time, as the permit must be in place before the start of operations.

Important notes

Prerequisites

  • To run an arcade, you need to have the reliability required. As a rule, you do not have this if, within the last three years before submitting the application, you have committed a crime, theft, embezzlement, extortion, receiving stolen goods, money laundering, concealment of unlawfully obtained assets, fraud, breach of trust, unauthorized organization of a game of chance, participation in illegal gambling or have been convicted of an offense under Section 27 of the Youth Protection Act.
  • You must live in orderly financial circumstances: No insolvency proceedings have been opened against your assets or rejected due to lack of assets.
  • The rooms intended for the operation of the trade meet the police requirements in terms of their condition and location and must be suitable for the operation of a gambling hall.
  • Running your business does not endanger young people and there is no need to fear excessive exploitation of the play instinct. Harmful environmental effects within the meaning of the Federal Immission Control Act or a nuisance to the general public, the neighbors or an institution existing in the public interest are also not to be expected.

Documents required

  • Informal application for a gambling hall permit
  • extract from the central Register of trade and commerce
  • Extract from the commercial register from the country in which the main company headquarters are located;
  • If necessary, translation of the extract from the commercial register
  • 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 play equipment with the possibility of making a profit (according to Section 33c, Paragraph 1 of the Trade Regulations (GewO))
  • Confirmation of the suitability of the set-up location of a play device (according to § 33c Paragraph 3 Trade Regulations (GewO)
  • Social concept and training certificates

Please note

There are no hints or special features.

Deadlines

Deadline Type: Application Deadline


Duration: 6-8 weeks


Comments: Permission must be available at the start of operation.

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

  • Submit your informal application with all the necessary documents.
  • The competent authority will check whether you meet all the requirements
  • If you meet all the requirements, you will be given permission.
  • You are only allowed to start the activity once you have received permission.

Processing time

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Fees

EUR 500 to EUR 1,500, extension of the permit period EUR 250 to EUR 1,000

Legal notes

Legal remedies

Not applicable for this service.

Legal basis


  • § 33c trade regulations (GewO)

  • Law regulating the law of gambling halls in the state of Hamburg (Hamburgisches Spielhallengesetz - HmbSpielhG)

Public Service Disclaimer

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