Apply for a gaming arcade license

The responsible authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate are The municipal administration of the independent municipality, the association municipality administration and, in independent and large cities, the city administration.

Alternatively, you can contact the Single Point of Contact in Rhineland-Palatinate.The Single Point of Contact is a public office through which you can handle all administrative procedures and formalities required for taking up and exercising your service activity and for the recognition of a foreign professional qualification. Further information can be found on the website of the Point of Single Contact.

• Single point of contact for administrative matters

The prerequisite for the permit is the applicant's reliability under commercial law

The premises intended for the operation of gaming arcades must be suitable in terms of their location and condition, i.e. they must comply with police and building regulations.

Since July 1, 2012, a gaming license for the construction and operation of a gaming arcade has been part of the license in accordance with the Trade Regulation Act and is also issued by the responsible (trade) authority (concentration effect). The competent licensing authority involves the Supervisory and Services Directorate and obtains its approval/consent.

For checking personal reliability:

• Certificate of good conduct
• Information from the central trade register
• Clearance certificate from the tax office
• Information from the debtor register

To check the suitability of the location:

• Floor plan for the operating premises (for commercial operation of a gaming arcade)

Note: Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Further documents may be required by the competent authority as part of the review of your individual case.

The granting of a permit is subject to a fee. The amount of the fee is determined on the basis of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Fees Act in conjunction with the State Ordinance on Fees for the Authorities of the Economic Administration (Special List of Fees) and the State Ordinance on Fees for Official Acts in the Gambling Sector.

• State ordinance on the fees of the authorities of the economic administration (special fee schedule)
• State ordinance on fees for official acts in the area of gambling (special fee schedule)

• Trade regulations

This permit is personal and building-related, meaning that you also require a gaming arcade permit in your name if you wish to take over an existing arcade from someone else. If you yourself are the operator of the gaming devices, you will also require an installation permit in accordance with Section 33c (1) of the German Trade Regulation Act (GewO) and a confirmation of suitability in accordance with Section 33c (3) GewO.

07.04.2025