Since the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 came into force, online poker in Germany has been legal but strictly regulated. One of the most controversial requirements is the limit of a maximum of four simultaneously playable tables per player – regardless of the provider. For many ambitious players, this exact rule has represented a significant restriction for years and makes professional play practically impossible.
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On February 21, 2026, the initiative “Raising the table limit for online poker to strengthen player protection and channeling” was launched on the platform openPetition. It is addressed to the Petitions Committee of the German Bundestag and the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). The goal is to adapt § 22b Para. 5 of the State Treaty on Gambling and raise the existing limit of four tables to at least eight, and in the long term even twelve parallel tables.
The initiators justify their push by stating that experienced and strategically oriented players in particular are massively restricted by the four-table rule. Furthermore, there is a risk that players will switch to unregulated platforms abroad in order to be able to play there without restrictions. This would contradict the political goal of so-called channeling – i.e., directing players into the regulated market.
Between Engagement and Political Reality
Currently, the petition has around 260 supporters. For an official quorum, 30,000 signatures would be required. Thus, the initiative is well below the threshold that usually generates political attention.
Nevertheless, it is fundamentally positive that parts of the German poker community are organizing and trying to bring in their interests constructively. Instead of mere criticism, a specific legal paragraph is addressed, combined with an argument based on player protection and market stability. This is objectively formulated and strategically thought out.
At the same time, one must remain sober. Gambling policy in Germany is primarily viewed from the perspective of protection against problematic gambling behavior. Restrictions such as stake or table limits are considered prevention instruments in this context. Whether the argument that overly strict restrictions could drive players into the unregulated market will gain sufficient political weight remains to be seen.
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A Look into the Past
Historically, demands for relaxations in German gambling law have rarely brought quick or far-reaching success. When poker players have publicly advocated for more leeway, they have often met with skepticism – not infrequently accompanied by a social debate that primarily presents gambling as a risk.
Against this background, the petition is an important signal from the community, but no guarantee of change. Without significantly more support, public discussion, and political allies, the probability of a short-term legal adjustment remains manageable.
Decide for Yourself Now
Anyone who still wants to participate or get their own impression can view and support the petition directly on the openPetition platform.
Whether you sign or not – the debate about how sensible and balanced the regulation of online poker in Germany is will continue to accompany the industry in the future.
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