Public games of chance (lotteries, draws) may only be organized or brokered with the permission of the competent authority. Organizing and brokering without such permission is prohibited.

For large lotteries, such permits are issued only to state organizers. Permits for small lotteries (lotteries with a lower risk potential) may be granted to other organizers. Thus, a private organizer may also conduct lotteries and raffles (e.g. tombolas), although certain requirements must be met with regard to the content of the event and the person of the organizer.

In particular, a permit to organize a lottery with a low risk potential can only be granted if:

• the net proceeds benefit charitable, church or benevolent purposes,
• the organizer fulfills the requirements of Section 5 (1) No. 9 of the Corporation Tax Act,
• a game plan that complies with the legal requirements has been submitted,
• no economic purposes are pursued with the event.

Notice:

For local or regional small lotteries, the Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Local Government has issued a "General Permit for the Organization of Public Lotteries and Raffles in the Free State of Thuringia". The ancillary provisions contained therein must be observed and complied with, as the organization of public games of chance without the permission of the competent authority is prohibited and a violation of this prohibition constitutes a misdemeanor subject to a fine, but can also be punished under criminal law.