How Does the LUGAS Activity File Work?
The LUGAS activity file is a central IT system of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). The authority uses it to monitor the login status of players across providers in Germany. As soon as you log in to a licensed online casino, you receive active status. This simultaneously blocks logins at other providers and prevents parallel play.
Basics & How the LUGAS Activity File Works
What Is the LUGAS Activity File and How Does It Prevent Parallel Play?
The Cross-State Gambling Supervision System (LUGAS) is based on the Gambling State Treaty 2021 and has two modules: the limit file and the activity file. LUGAS is not a blocking file like OASIS. OASIS is the "bouncer," while the LUGAS activity file controls and blocks parallel play.
Parallel play means that a user places bets simultaneously at multiple gambling providers or on multiple slots at the same casino. The database checks every login attempt in real time. If an account is in use, the system blocks any further login across providers and makes parallel play impossible.
How Does the Switch Between Active and Inactive Work?
The technical process is simple. When a user logs in, the casino sends a pseudonymized player ID to the GGL database. The activity file assigns the profile the status "active." This status remains throughout the entire session. If the central database reports an active status at another operator, the current casino denies access.
The switch between active and inactive happens in real time. A VPN does not bypass this mechanism. The assignment is tied to the verified identity, not the IP address. If a system error causes the status to incorrectly remain, the database automatically changes the state to "inactive" after an inactive period.
The 5-Minute Waiting Period When Switching Providers Explained
The activity file controls a statutory waiting period of five minutes. When you log out of a casino and want to switch to another platform, this mandatory pause takes effect immediately. During these five minutes, your profile remains linked to the previous provider in the background.
Only after this time expires does the system release you. Then the new operator can activate you. You must strictly observe this pause, even if you only log out briefly and log back in immediately at the same provider. After one hour of continuous play, the system also enforces such a pause. You must actively confirm this.
Technology, Data Protection & Storage of Player Data
A central database of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) handles the technical implementation. The system captures pseudonymized player data via an API interface. This allows it to monitor and enforce the cross-provider deposit limit and the ban on parallel play in real time.
What Data Is Stored in the LUGAS Activity File?
Data collection is strictly regulated. The Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) is the state supervisory authority with headquarters in Halle (Saale). From there, it manages the information flows.
Communication between the casino and the central database runs through an encrypted API interface. This data connection transmits the status in real time. If the connection breaks, legal casinos must stop play immediately. According to the GGL in Halle (Saale), the database captures specific parameters. These include basic data such as name, date of birth, and place of residence. The system also stores the monthly deposit limit including the date of change, deposits made to date, the current activity status, and a derived pseudonym. The technical infrastructure maintains the API interface stability so the system works without interruption even during high traffic.
Pseudonymization and Player ID: Is Data Protection Ensured?
Data processing is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The system uses pseudonymization and replaces real names with unrecognizable character strings.
Each user receives a unique player ID. This code is directly linked to the pseudonym. The pseudonym prevents direct conclusions about the real person. The casino sends this player ID to the safe servers with every login. A VPN does not change the status because the system evaluates the verified player ID. When switching gambling providers, the mentioned 5-minute protection lock applies.
Only the respective provider knows the true identity behind the pseudonym. Through this separation, data protection is maintained.
How Can I Have My Data Deleted from LUGAS?
Deletion of the player ID is governed by the GDPR. Players do not have direct access to the database. You must permanently close your player account at the casino to have information removed.
The provider then sends a deletion signal via the API interface. The operator thus requests the deletion of the data records. The system automatically deletes the information after profile deactivation with the license holder. The BZgA gambling addiction helpline recommends account closure if gambling becomes a financial burden.
Legal Background: GGL, GlüStV 2021, and OASIS
The Gambling State Treaty 2021 provides the legal basis for the LUGAS activity file. The law requires all licensed providers to use the system. The GGL manages the central database. It enforces the cross-provider deposit limit and prevents parallel play.
The Role of the GGL and the Gambling State Treaty 2021
The Gambling State Treaty 2021 (GlüStV) regulates the German market. It stipulates that all online gambling providers with German licenses must be connected to the IT system. This applies to sports betting platforms and virtual slot machines equally. Since January 2023, the GGL has managed this infrastructure. The authority headquartered in Halle an der Saale is the central state supervisory body. It controls the legal market and enforces player protection. Board members like Ronald Benter regularly point to the necessity of this data-driven supervision.
LUGAS vs. OASIS: What Is the Exact Difference?
Players often confuse the two central systems. However, they fulfill different tasks in player protection. The technical difference looks like this:
| System | Main Function | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| OASIS | Pure blocking system ("bouncer") | Prevents gambling addicts or at-risk individuals from further participation in gambling. |
| LUGAS | Activity and finance tracker | Prevents parallel play at multiple bookmakers simultaneously and monitors deposits made. |
OASIS blocks general access. LUGAS intervenes during active play.
How the Limit File Complements the €1,000 Limit
LUGAS comprises the activity file and the limit file. The limit file enforces the statutory €1,000 monthly limit across providers. When a user makes a deposit, the system checks via the player ID whether the €1,000 limit has been reached.
The activity file simultaneously blocks parallel play. It sets the status to "active" or "inactive" and enforces the 5-minute waiting period when switching providers. GGL board member Ronald Benter emphasizes that this combination of limit file and activity file secures player protection both temporally and financially.
Troubleshooting: Solving Problems With Active Status
The system blocks parallel play across providers. If the status hangs, it often indicates a communication error between the casino and the State Administration Office Saxony-Anhalt. However, after a certain time without transactions, the database automatically logs the user out.
Why Am I Registered as Active in LUGAS Even Though I'm Not Playing?
This problem occurs at large bookmakers like Tipico. The sports betting provider reports every login to the database. If you only close the browser window, the player ID remains stuck in the evaluation system. The IT infrastructure then waits in vain for the logout signal.
The GGL uses this session control according to GlüStV for player protection. Parallel play must be strictly prevented. Users sometimes confuse this with the panic button. The panic button triggers an immediate 24-hour block and completely blocks access. A hanging LUGAS status merely prevents logging in at another gambling provider.
How Long Does It Take for LUGAS to Automatically Set Me to Inactive?
If the evaluation system records no transactions on the account over a longer period, a security mechanism kicks in. LUGAS then automatically changes the status to "inactive."
The State Administration Office Saxony-Anhalt has been responsible for administration since mid-2021 and has integrated this timeout function. The authority ensures that customers are not locked out indefinitely after a connection failure. After a proper logout, exactly five minutes must pass. Only then is a new login at another provider like Tipico possible.
What to Do If the Evaluation System or Safe Server Hangs?
The safe server is a local interface at the gambling provider. It is directly connected to the GGL and LUGAS. If the connection fails, the server does not transmit the inactive command. The limit file continues to track data in the meantime.
If a technical problem at the casino causes the disruption, you should first close all open browser tabs on all devices. If that doesn't help, contact customer support. Staff are required to manually correct the status. The panic button or a VPN does not solve the server problem. The block is firmly tied to the verified identity.
Circumvention, Black Market & Alternatives
A legal circumvention of the system is impossible in Germany. Players who avoid LUGAS end up on the black market. There is neither creditworthiness checking nor reliable protection against gambling addiction.
Can You Legally Circumvent the LUGAS System?
Licensed platforms in Germany do not allow circumvention. The limit file enforces the cross-provider deposit limit of €1,000. It is technically inseparable from LUGAS.
Increasing this amount requires thorough creditworthiness checking by the operator. Without a positive check of payment ability, the standard limit remains. The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) supports these requirements. The interest group of legal betting providers considers the hurdles necessary to prevent illegal gambling.
Are There Safe Online Casinos Without LUGAS?
In Germany, there are no legal online gambling establishments without this connection. Every legal operator is on the official whitelist. This state register lists all permitted gambling providers. Anyone missing from the whitelist operates illegally. The DSWV points out that only licensed providers offer legal certainty.
The Dangers of the Black Market and Lack of Player Protection
Those who circumvent state controls end up on the black market. Unregulated providers lure with unlimited bets but offer no player protection. Neither the deposit limit nor the blocking file OASIS applies there. Without these systems, the risk of gambling addiction increases. Impulsive betting is not blocked on the black market.
About This Article - Editorial & Responsibility
Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst
Professionally reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst Last
Update: 2026-06-24.
This article on "how the LUGAS activity file works" was written by Sarah Weber and professionally reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content regarding regulatory changes, license availability, and bonus terms. All statements about licenses, authorities, and legal framework conditions refer to publicly accessible sources (GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the States), Gambling State Treaty 2021 (GlüStV 2021)).
About the Author
8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ personally tested platforms in 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 Gambling State Treaty 2021. PhD in economic mathematics. Research focus: Bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control over your gambling behavior, please contact BzgA Gambling Addiction Helpline, Check-dein-Spiel.de, or use the central blocking system (OASIS (central player blocking system)). Set personal deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Breaks and cooldown functions offered by providers are not a sign of weakness - they are a tool for sustainable gambling enjoyment.
Legal Notice
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 States). Players are personally responsible for complying with local regulations.