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

Since Germany has a state monopoly on public gambling (Section 10 (5) of the Interstate Gambling Treaty), it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that sufficient gambling is offered. Lotteries with a lower risk potential, in particular the so-called "small lotteries," represent a breach of the state monopoly on games of chance. This means that a private organizer can also conduct lotteries and draws (e.g., raffles), 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, ecclesiastical 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.