Age restrictions and legal requirements
18 years, whether you play online or at a betting office. This age limit is legally enshrined in the Gambling State Treaty and is strictly enforced by licensed providers such as Bwin.
Bwin carries out a full identity check for age verification. Users must confirm their identity before opening an account or placing bets. This protects minors from unrestricted access to gambling.
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Required for online betting and sports betting
- Identity verification mandatory when creating an account
- Breaching age rules results in account closure
Betting limits and control tools
Bwin provides players with tools to control their gambling behaviour. While specific limiting options are detailed in the provider's account information, players should regularly check their activity and set limits that match their budget.
Players can self-exclude or pause their account at Bwin if they wish to change their gambling behaviour. These are important steps in preventing problem gambling.
- Set personal limits on stakes
- Temporarily pause or permanently close your account
- Review your play report regularly
- Plan your budget and time before playing
Signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling can manifest in various ways. If you notice that you spend more time or money gambling than planned, gamble more frequently, or experience financial difficulties due to gambling, you should seek help.
Be alert to changes in your gambling behaviour – even small signs can indicate the need for support.
- Playing with more money than originally planned
- Spending increasing time gambling
- Neglecting family, work or hobbies
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce gambling
- Playing as an escape from problems or negative feelings
- Debt due to gambling
Support options in Germany
Germany has established organisations and advice centres offering free support for people with problem gambling. The Federal Centre for Health Education and specialised advice centres are points of contact for confidential help.
Local gambling counselling services offer personal consultations, groups and support programmes. Many of these services are free and confidential.
- Free advisory helplines including from the Federal Centre for Health Education
- Specialised addiction counselling services in many towns
- Anonymous support groups for those affected
- Psychological and social counselling
- Information on self-exclusion from multiple services
- Support for family members
Help resources and information
The website buwei.de is an official German resource for information on responsible gambling and self-protection measures. It provides comprehensive information about gambling addiction and available help.
If you believe you or someone you know might be gambling problematically, do not hesitate to contact a counselling service. Early intervention is effective and can prevent longer-term problems.
FAQ
From what age can I play with Bwin?
18 years old to play online or offline with Bwin. The minimum age is legally enshrined in the Gambling State Treaty. Bwin verifies your identity when creating your account to enforce this requirement.
How can I control my gaming behaviour?
Bwin offers control tools that let you set bet limits, pause or close your account. Check your play report regularly and plan your budget and playing time before you play. If you have questions about specific control features, contact Bwin support.
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling occurs when you spend more time or money on gambling than intended, cannot stop, or use gambling to cope with problems. Signs also include financial difficulties, neglect of family or work. If you notice these signs in yourself, seek help.
Where can I find help if I gamble problematically?
Germany has free, confidential advice centres and helplines for problem gambling. Find information at buwei.de and from the Federal Centre for Health Education. Local addiction counselling services offer personal support, groups and counselling – many are free.
Does Bwin punish players who use self-exclusion?
No. Self-exclusion and pause features are protection mechanisms used by players to control their play. This is not a violation. Bwin respects players' self-exclusion wishes. Details on using these features can be found in your account settings or by contacting support.
