Gaming arcades and betting shops

  • Performance specification

    Anyone wishing to open an amusement arcade requires a special licence. In addition, a licence to install gaming devices and a confirmation of suitability are required to operate the arcade.
    The permitted number of gaming devices depends on the size of the arcade. In amusement arcades or similar businesses, a maximum of one merchandise or gaming device may be set up per 12 square metres of floor space, with a maximum total of 12 devices.


    Local law

    Legal bases in general

    §Section 33 i of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO NW)

  • Required documents

    ● Valid building permit and final acceptance of the building.

    Certificate of no objection from the tax office of the place where you have lived or operated a business in the last three years.

    Certificate of no objection from the tax office of the place where you have lived or run a business in the last three years.

    ● Extract from the debtor register and certificate from the insolvency court of the district court in whose district the trader or legal representative has had a place of residence or a commercial establishment in the last three years. You can obtain these documents from the local court responsible for your place of residence.

    ● The certificate of good conduct of document type "0" (zero). You can apply for this at the registration office in your place of residence.

    ● Natural and legal persons can apply for an extract from the central trade register directly at the trade registration office. Natural persons can also request the extract at the registration centre in their place of residence.

    ● Identity card or national passport

    ● Legal entities also require an extract from the commercial and association register and a copy of the partnership agreement or articles of association. If someone submits the application as a legal entity, i.e. as a public limited company (AG), limited liability company (GmbH), registered association or similar, the proof of reliability must be submitted for both the legal entity, with the exception of the certificate of good conduct, and for the authorised representatives when the application is submitted. These are managing directors, board members and chairpersons. The same applies to shareholders who hold 50 per cent or more of the share capital or who hold 50 per cent or more of the votes.

  • Costs

    Fee for the decision on the licence to operate an amusement arcade: 150 to 3,000 euros


Responsible departments

Responsible staff