Germany’s centralised self-exclusion system, OASIS, has crossed an important milestone, with nearly 350,000 registered users in the four years since its introduction under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021).
For policymakers, OASIS has quickly become the flagship success story of Germany’s gambling reforms. For operators, however, it is a reminder of the tight regulatory environment in which they must now compete.
OASIS in Numbers
The system began recording activity in January 2022 and has grown steadily since. Between then and July 2025, nearly 350,000 players opted to block themselves from gambling on licensed platforms.
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Since May 2024, an average of 44,000 people per month have used the instant exclusion feature.
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The highest monthly figure came in December 2024, with 56,844 exclusions recorded during the holiday season.
The most popular option remains the one-year ban (182,057 players), followed by one- to two-year bans (58,003). Long-term exclusions are less common, but still notable: 7,459 opted for five to ten years, while 22,381 committed to exclusions of more than a decade.
A Cornerstone of Responsible Gambling
OASIS sits at the heart of the GlüStV 2021 framework. The Treaty required all licensed operators to connect to the database and provide a visible 24-hour instant exclusion button, ensuring players could immediately act on signs of harmful behaviour.
The system is federally managed but administered by the state of Hesse, which also tracks and publishes the national exclusion figures. This dual approach ensures both national consistency and regional accountability.
Market Impact – A Two-Sided Story
For German authorities, the numbers validate the system’s effectiveness. Regulators point to OASIS as proof that the regulated market is delivering meaningful safeguards for consumers, a critical goal given the political sensitivity of gambling reform in Germany.
For operators, however, the picture is less straightforward. The industry continues to grapple with:
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High tax burdens, particularly the 5.3% turnover tax on online slots and poker.
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Advertising restrictions, limiting how operators can attract and retain players.
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Compliance costs, with mandatory monitoring, data reporting, and responsible gambling obligations.
These factors combine to make Germany one of Europe’s most complex and costly regulated markets, even as unlicensed offshore operators continue to offer less restricted alternatives.
A Regulatory Balancing Act
The German regulator has confirmed it will begin issuing quarterly market reports, combining OASIS data with broader market statistics. This signals a more data-driven approach to policymaking, with self-exclusion figures likely to play a central role in shaping the next phase of regulation.
Yet the industry remains concerned about whether the balance is right. While OASIS and strict oversight have created Europe’s most comprehensive protection framework, many licensed operators argue that the market is being over-regulated to the point of unprofitability.
Looking Ahead
As OASIS approaches its fourth anniversary, it is already regarded internationally as a benchmark model for centralised exclusion systems. With growth continuing, Germany may soon see half a million exclusions recorded within the next two years.
The challenge for regulators will be ensuring that the system’s success in player protection does not come at the expense of a sustainable regulated industry. For Casino Life readers, this development captures the core tension of today’s European gambling landscape: how to reconcile protection, profitability, and political pressure in a market that remains under intense scrutiny.
