Tonybet Licensing Status: Is the Provider Legal in Germany & Netherlands?

Tonybet has neither a German GGL permit nor a Dutch KSA license. The provider is missing from the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) and is not registered in the CRUKS register of the Netherlands. The company surrendered its former UKGC license in April 2024. For players in Germany and the Netherlands, this means in concrete terms: no legal protection, no access to state exclusion systems, and no entitlement to conflict resolution by local authorities.

Tonybet Licensing Status in Germany: Lack of GGL Permit

Tonybet operates in the German market without the necessary license from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). Since the provider is not on the official whitelist, users are operating outside the legal framework of the GlüStV 2021. This has direct consequences for the enforceability of claims and access to protection mechanisms such as the OASIS exclusion system.

Checking the Official GGL Whitelist

Pursuant to Section 9 (8) of the GlüStV 2021, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) maintains a binding whitelist. Only operators holding a valid permit for the German market are registered in this database. A current query shows that Tonybet OU is not listed among the permitted providers. This absence from the register is legally significant, as only listed operators are allowed to legally offer online casino games and sports betting in Germany. Players should use the GGL website for verification, as the authority enforces strict transparency requirements.

Significance of the Surrendered License from the UK Gambling Commission

Tonybet OU has its headquarters in Estonia, which some falsely interpret as sufficient European regulation. Historically, the company held a license from the UK Gambling Commission, the status of which is now listed as "Surrendered". The surrender of this permit for casino and betting activities took place on April 5, 2024. A surrendered license marks a strategic withdrawal from a strictly regulated market. Since the UK Gambling Commission has established high standards in player protection, the surrender means that Tonybet OU is no longer subject to its supervision. This heightens safety concerns, as there is no longer a reputable European authority acting as a direct point of contact for complaints.

Legal Consequences for Players in Germany

Users in Germany face concrete risks when using unlisted providers like Tonybet. Since the operator is not subject to the GlüStV 2021, German protection mechanisms such as the OASIS exclusion system or the monthly deposit limit of €1,000 do not apply. In the event of a dispute, such as delayed payouts, players cannot turn to the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) because there is no jurisdictional basis. In addition, the legal situation for sports betting and online casino games with unlicensed providers is uncertain. Contracts may not be legally enforceable. We strongly recommend using only providers that are on the GGL whitelist in order to enjoy full legal protection.

Licensing Situation in the Netherlands: KSA and KOA Regulations

While the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) strictly regulates the Dutch market, Tonybet OU operates without the necessary permit. As a result, online casino games and sports betting take place outside the protected framework of the KOA (Remote Gambling Act / Wet Kansspelen op afstand). Players here are exposed to similar risks as in Germany, as the local supervisory structures do not apply.

Requirements of the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand - KOA)

The KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) has legalized and structured online casino games and betting in the Netherlands since October 2021. To operate legally in the Netherlands, a provider like Tonybet OU must hold a license from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and meet strict technical and financial requirements. Compared to the more restrictive German Interstate Treaty on Gambling, the KOA law is considered more liberal, but still demands high standards of player protection.

A key component of these regulations is the requirement for individual deposit limits. Licensed providers must ensure that players set their own deposit limits. However, since Tonybet OU does not hold a KSA license, its offering is not subject to these specific Dutch protection mechanisms. Tests show that non-compliance with these specifications forces players to rely on the provider's voluntary self-limitation instead of state-enforced limits.

Integration into the CRUKS Register

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) manages the central self-exclusion system CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen), in which all licensed providers must be integrated. This system effectively prevents excluded players from playing on other licensed platforms in the country. The technical connection to CRUKS was a major challenge for many operators and required significant investments in IT infrastructure.

Since Tonybet OU does not hold a Dutch license, the provider is not connected to the CRUKS register. This poses a significant risk to player protection, as individuals who have excluded themselves could still access Tonybet's offering. Although the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) can take action against unlicensed providers, the direct protection mechanism of automatic exclusion does not apply here. Players who rely on self-control will not find the security guaranteed by Dutch law at Tonybet.

Differences from Licensed Dutch Providers

The main difference between Tonybet OU and licensed providers in the Netherlands lies in the legal protection and the enforceability of player rights. Licensed operators are subject to the supervision of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and must adhere to the requirements of the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand), including compliance with deposit limit regulations and CRUKS integration.

For players, using Tonybet means accessing online casino games and sports betting without the protection of the Dutch gambling authority. In the event of a dispute, such as unpaid winnings, there is no local regulatory authority to turn to. Although the Dutch market is considered more liberal compared to Germany due to the KOA, it is still strict in enforcing licensing obligations. Tonybet operates in this gray area, which carries a higher financial and legal risk for users than using a provider listed on the KSA whitelist.

Company Background: Tonybet OU and Estonia

The operator Tonybet OU concentrates its activities on markets that do not require strict national regulations like those of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) in Germany or the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands. This strategy allows flexibility but excludes access to national exclusion systems such as OASIS or CRUKS, which increases the risk of conflict for players.

Company Headquarters and Operational Base in Estonia

Tonybet OU has its registered headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, which forms the legal basis for its international online gambling services. Estonia serves as an operational hub from which the provider offers services in various jurisdictions that do not necessarily require a local presence. This structure allows the company to react flexibly to market changes without having to submit to the specific requirements of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) in Germany. For players from Germany and the Netherlands, it is crucial that the headquarters in Estonia do not grant automatic access to the European single market licenses required for legal operation in these countries. The geographical distance from the regulatory authorities in Germany and the Netherlands also makes it significantly harder to enforce player claims in the event of a dispute.

History of the UK Gambling Commission License

Until April 2024, Tonybet OU held a license from the UK Gambling Commission, which is now listed as a Surrendered License. This voluntary surrender of the permit for casino and betting activities took place on April 5, 2024. A surrendered license marks a strategic turning point, often associated with withdrawal from highly regulated markets. The UK Gambling Commission is known for its strict requirements, and the surrender of the license suggests that Tonybet OU's business model was no longer compatible with the high compliance costs in the UK. This step correlates with the non-availability in Germany, where the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) enforces similarly strict standards as the British regulatory authority. In the Netherlands, too, such a licensing strategy would have had little success, as the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) requires local licenses. The surrendered license is therefore an indicator of the provider's current market orientation away from strictly regulated zones.

Current International Licensing Structure

Currently, Tonybet OU does not hold any valid licenses in Germany or the Netherlands, which excludes the provider from the whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL). In the Netherlands, it also lacks the necessary approval from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which is mandatory for participation in the legal online market under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA). Instead, the company operates in gray areas or markets with less restrictive regulations. This absence means that players in Germany do not have access to the central OASIS exclusion system, and users in the Netherlands are not protected in the CRUKS register of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) regularly warns against providers that are not on its positive list, as there is no legal claim to payouts. Likewise, the supervision of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which otherwise ensures compliance with player protection measures, is missing in the Netherlands.

Regulatory Comparison: GlüStV 2021 vs. KOA

The Tonybet licensing status in the Netherlands and Germany reveals fundamental differences in the regulatory landscape of both markets. While German gambling law is characterized by strict requirements such as a global deposit limit, the Dutch KOA law allows for more flexible player protection mechanisms. Tonybet operates in both countries without a local license, meaning that neither the protection of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) nor the supervision of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) applies to players.

Player Protection Requirements in Germany and the Netherlands

The protection mechanisms in Germany and the Netherlands diverge significantly in their design. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) prescribes a cross-provider monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros, which is managed centrally via the OASIS system. In contrast, the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) in the Netherlands does require the setting of individual limits per provider, but leaves players with the freedom to determine these amounts themselves, without a rigid legal limit. In addition, an automatic play break of five minutes after each hour of playing time is mandatory in Germany, whereas Dutch providers under the KOA regime allow players to set their own time limits flexibly. This liberality of the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) contrasts with the restrictive German regulations, which largely ban bankholder games, while all forms of online gambling have been legalized in the Netherlands. For players with unlicensed providers like Tonybet, these state-guaranteed safety nets are completely absent in both countries.

Role of the Regulatory Authorities GGL and KSA

The enforcement strategies of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) and the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) both aim to combat illegal providers but use different levers. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) in Germany carries out active blocking procedures against payment flows and internet access for providers that are not on the whitelist. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands, on the other hand, relies heavily on linking with the central exclusion system CRUKS and imposes high fines on operators that access the Dutch market without a license. Both authorities, the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) and the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), work closely with financial institutions to block transactions, but enforcement in the cross-border online sector remains a challenge.

Transparency Obligations via Whitelist and Register

The legality of a provider can be verified in both markets via central registers, which create crucial transparency for players. In Germany, the whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is the only official directory for permitted operators under Section 9 (8) of the GlüStV 2021. Providers on this whitelist must visibly display their license on their homepage, which is missing in Tonybet's case. In the Netherlands, the register of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) serves as proof of compliance with the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand). In addition, registration in the CRUKS system is mandatory for players in the Netherlands to access legal platforms, while in Germany the OASIS exclusion database performs this function. Absence from these registers signals a significant risk for players, as there is no legal recourse in the event of disputes.

Safety Assessment and Recommendations for Players

The current status of Tonybet is defined by the lack of local approvals in both target markets, as the operator Tonybet OU surrendered its UKGC license in April 2024. For players in Germany, this means exclusion from the official GGL whitelist, while in the Netherlands, there is no license under the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand). This regulatory gap creates significant uncertainties for sports betting and online casino games, as no local supervisory authority is responsible for enforcing player rights or deposit limit requirements.

Risks with Payments and Withdrawals

Using Tonybet without a local license carries specific financial risks, as transactions are not secured by the strict protection mechanisms of the GlüStV 2021 or the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand). In Germany, providers on the GGL whitelist are required to offer secure payment methods and technically enforce deposit limits. Since Tonybet OU is not on this list, this protection does not apply. Players have no claim to the monthly limit of 1,000 euros anchored in German law, which increases the risk of problematic gaming behavior. In addition, payments to unlicensed gambling providers may be restricted under payment service directives, which can lead to frozen balances. Unlike licensed competitors who operate under the supervision of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and are allowed to legally offer all forms of online gambling, Tonybet operates in a gray area.

Lack of Access to Official Dispute Resolution Bodies

A critical aspect is the lack of access to state dispute resolution bodies. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) maintains the whitelist to protect only those providers that comply with the GlüStV 2021. Since Tonybet OU is not listed, players in Germany cannot expect help from the GGL in the event of conflicts over payouts or bonus conditions. The situation is similar in the Netherlands: the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) legalizes online casino games and sports betting but only grants players with licensed providers access to the KSA's complaint management. Tonybet voluntarily surrendered its license with the UK Gambling Commission, which means this former point of contact for disputes is also no longer available. In the event of a conflict, players are solely dependent on the internal goodwill of the Estonia-based operator, which represents a high risk from a compliance perspective.

Criteria for Choosing Legal Alternatives

Players should choose providers that are explicitly registered on the GGL whitelist for Germany or with the KSA for the Netherlands. A reputable provider must display its permit on the homepage in accordance with Section 6e of the GlüStV 2021. Important identifying features include the technical implementation of a cross-provider deposit limit as well as connection to the OASIS exclusion system. In contrast to Tonybet, which does not hold a local license, legal alternatives fully meet the requirements of the KOA (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) or the GlüStV 2021. This guarantees that online casino games and sports betting take place under strict supervision and winnings are legally enforceable.

Responsible Gambling and Support Options

Regardless of the chosen provider, responsible gambling is essential. In Germany, the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) offers comprehensive information and support services for people at risk of gambling addiction at check-dein-spiel.de. In the Netherlands, the AGOGS organization supports players with gambling problems. The use of exclusion systems such as OASIS in Germany or CRUKS in the Netherlands is the most effective protection mechanism to protect oneself from excessive gaming behavior. However, these systems are only effective with licensed providers, which further highlights the importance of choosing a legal operator.

About this Article - Editorial & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last Update: 2026-07-02.

This article on "Tonybet Licensing Status in the Netherlands and Germany" was written by Sarah Weber and reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content regarding regulatory changes, license­availability, and bonus­conditions. All statements regarding licenses, authorities, and legal frameworks refer to publicly accessible sources (GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States), Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021)).

About the Author

8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ personally tested platforms in the EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout workflows, customer support evaluation.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. PhD in Business Mathematics. Research focus: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your gaming behavior, please contact BZgA gambling addiction help, Check-dein-spiel.de, or use the central exclusion system (OASIS (central player exclusion system)). Set personal deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Breaks and cool-down features from providers are not a sign of weakness - they are a tool for sustainable enjoyment of the game.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is for editorial and comparison purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The legal assessment of online gambling without a German license is a gray area and is subject to ongoing adjustments by the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). Players are responsible for complying with local regulations.