Vending Machine Operator License

Anyone who commercially operates gaming machines with the possibility of winnings in Germany needs a vending machine operator license (Automatenaufstellererlaubnis) under Section 33c of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). The license covers the operator, not the location. Only machines with a type approval from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) may be installed.

You apply at the local trade authority (Ordnungsamt or Gewerbeamt). Requirements include proof of personal reliability via a police clearance certificate, an IHK instruction course on responsible gaming, and a social impact concept (Sozialkonzept) from a recognised institution. Each machine also needs a separate site permit (Aufstellerlaubnis) from the location's municipality. The license is typically unlimited but can be revoked if requirements are no longer met.