Player Exclusion

Types of exclusion:

To protect players and combat gambling addiction, the MERKUR GROUP implements a cross-game and state-wide exclusion system in accordance with § 8 State Treaty of Gambling.
Players are checked upon entering the gaming venue using an official ID or a comparable identification method, and their information is cross-referenced with the exclusion database as per § 23 State Treaty of Gambling.

If no exclusion is in place and the guest is of legal age, they are granted entry. If the guest is underage or has an active exclusion, entry is denied, and they are asked to leave the venue.

The Regional Council of Darmstadt, which manages the player exclusions, provides a comprehensive FAQ on the exclusion system.

Self-Exclusion

Everyone has the option to be self-excluded. The player exclusion is a cross-gaming, nationwide tool designed to protect players and combat gambling disorders. An exclusion covers all legal forms of gambling, such as: gaming arcades, casinos, sports betting shops, gaming devices in pubs, all online offerings, and lotteries drawn more than twice a week. Self-exclusions are often initiated by third parties: the affected individuals are made aware of their gambling behavior in discussions with experienced and trained staff, after which they choose to self-exclude.

If a guest requests a self-exclusion, it becomes effective immediately upon entry into the centralized exclusion system. The minimum exclusion period is one year, unless the guest agrees to a different duration of at least three months. If a shorter period is specified, it will be considered as a request for a three-month exclusion. Once the exclusion is registered in the system, the guest is promptly informed in writing, along with details about the procedure for lifting the exclusion.

Third-Party Exclusion

Others can also request an exclusion for a player if there is sufficient evidence, such as signs of severe gambling disorder or over-indebtedness. This can be initiated by staff, player protection officers at casinos, or third parties such as friends or family members. Before any third-party exclusion is implemented, the affected individual is given the opportunity to respond within 14 days.

If the concerns persist, the exclusion is enacted. Once the exclusion is registered in the system, the individual is promptly notified in writing, along with information on the procedure for ending the exclusion.

Exclusion Request

The exclusion request form can be downloaded and submitted to the Regional Council of Darmstadt, Germany.

Lifting of Exclusion

... for Self-Exclusion

After the agreed exclusion period has expired, the guest can submit a written request to lift the self-exclusion to the authority responsible for managing the exclusion database. The responsible authority will inform the guest about the successful removal of the exclusion.

... for Third-Party Exclusion

The removal of a third-party exclusion can only be requested in writing after a minimum of one year. This request must be submitted to the authority responsible for managing the exclusion database. Once processed, the responsible authority will notify both the guest and the person who initiated the exclusion about the removal, as well as the possibility of initiating a new exclusion.

There is no right of withdrawal for an exclusion. It can only be lifted after the chosen exclusion period has expired.

The MERKUR GROUP does not create any incentives or exert any influence on excluded guests to encourage them to apply for the removal of their exclusion.