Applying for permission to operate a gaming arcade
If you want to operate an arcade, you need a permit.
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Basic information
A permit authorizes the operation of an arcade. It includes a permit in accordance with the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. The amusement arcade permit does not entitle you to set up gaming devices with the possibility of winning. You must submit an application for this. Further information can be found in the services "Applying for a permit to set up gaming devices with the possibility of winning" and "Applying for confirmation of the suitability of the installation location for gaming devices with the possibility of winning".
Requirements
- Reliability of the applicant
- Minimum distance of 500 meters as the crow flies from other gaming arcades, betting agencies and certain schools
- Certification of the arcade
- Submission of social concept
- Proof of expert examination
- Further requirements that are checked internally
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Procedure
- The application can be made in writing by post or by e-mail.
- Fill out the application form.
- You will find the link to the application form under "Forms".
- Send the application and the required documents to the responsible office.
- A decision will be made at the end of the procedure. This can be either the granting of a permit or a rejection.
More information
- As a general rule, inquiries regarding the processing status cannot be answered.
- Inquiries must always be submitted in writing.
- False information may lead to the revocation of permits already granted.
- The submission of manipulated social concepts may constitute a criminal offense that would be prosecuted accordingly.
- Operating a gaming arcade without a permit is a criminal offense
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Necessary Documents
- Copy of the installation permit
- Certificates of good conduct for all persons involved in the management (not older than 6 months for submission to an authority)
- Extract from the central trade register for all persons involved in the management (not older than 6 months for submission to an authority)
- Self-disclosure from the debtor register (not older than 6 months)
- Certificate from the insolvency court regarding pending or applied for insolvency proceedings
- Certificate from the relevant tax office regarding tax matters and tax debts (not older than 6 months)
- Extract from the commercial register (not older than 6 months)
- Certificates of competence for all persons involved in the management and for the persons responsible for the management of the gaming arcade
- Social concept
- Calculation of usable space for the arcade
- Floor plan of the arcade
- Installation permit of the installer:in
- If the applicant is a legal entity, additionally:
- Description of the company structure
- Extract from the central trade register for the legal entity (not older than 6 months for submission to an authority)
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Competent Department
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Ordnungsamt | Referat 13 - Gefahrenabwehr
- 115 (Bürgertelefon)
- Stresemannstraße 48, 28207 Bremen
- oeffentlicheordnung
@ordnungsamt. bremen. de
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Fees / Costs
477,00 EUR bis 8.866,00 EUR
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
You must apply for a permit from the competent authority before operating a gaming arcade. The application can only be processed once it has been received in full by the authorities.
The permit expires if the permit holder does not operate an arcade for one year.
How long does it take to process
3 months after complete submission of the documents.
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Legal Bases
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct. 30.04.2026