Everything you need to know about OASIS player ban

If you have ever visited our website, you already know that we cover everything related to the German gambling situation and its player self-exclusion system, OASIS. Our dedicated team of professionals continuously conducts thorough research to provide you with comprehensive information about the general gambling situation in Germany and all about OASIS – Germany’s new player exclusion scheme. This article will revolve around OASIS and will tell you everything you need to know about this player ban system.

What exactly is OASIS?

First things first – what does the term OASIS mean? OASIS stands for “online query of player status,” and it is an integral part of the GlüStV 2021 – Germany’s new guideline for online gambling regulations. Naturally, any player exclusion system or scheme serves the purpose of promoting responsible gambling and minimizing gambling-related issues, but does it really work? Stay with us, and we will answer this question below.

The OASIS player ban database contains up-to-date information about online players and ensures people listed in the database are not allowed to participate in any kind of online gambling activities within German territory. The system itself is connected to all German-licensed online gambling providers/operators in Germany, covering a wide range of gambling areas. These include:

• Online Casinos
• Casinos and Arcades
• Slot Machines in recreational places
• Sports Betting Providers
• Online Poker Providers
• Lotteries, etc.

Every online gambling establishment is obliged to apply for the OASIS services before getting officially licensed by the local gambling regulator. That’s why the OASIS player ban is part of every online gambling establishment and operator that functions under the gambling license issued by the German gambling regulator.

Is there a legal basis for OASIS?

The German gambling market was largely unregulated until the introduction of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling in 2021, otherwise known as the GlüStV 2021. Introducing the GlüStV 2021 changed everything and realigned the whole structure of the German gambling market. The treaty legalized online gambling within German soil, created regulations for online gambling throughout Germany, and enabled local online gambling establishments to acquire local gambling licenses from the local gambling regulator. The new gambling treaty came with its own player exclusion system – OASIS – which was initially introduced as a central instrument for preventing gambling addiction and assisting in the prevention of illegal gambling. Therefore, the OASIS player ban system is an integral part of the new gambling regulation and was intended to help promote responsible gambling while minimizing the risks of the negative impact of gambling on local society. But, did it do its job properly? We are here to find out.

What kind of player data does the OASIS collect?

In order to enable successful suspension from any and every German-licensed online gambling establishments, the OASIS database collects thorough personal data about the player. This information includes:

• First name
• Last name
• Pseudonyms
• Date and place of birth
• Current residential address
• Reasons for the suspension
• Duration of the ban

Additionally, other relevant documentation, such as photo identification of the player is required to begin the exclusion process.

It is important to understand that online operators that submit a request to the OASIS system only have access to a limited selection of information. They can only find out whether or not a player has been banned based on the first name, last name, and date of birth, without being able to see detailed personal information or the specific reasons for the ban. This limited access is designed to protect the personal data of the player and to ensure that only the most necessary information is used to implement the player ban.

What kind of options of player ban are there?

Setting up a player ban in the OASIS system can be initiated by players themselves or by third parties. Players who notice suspicious behavior in themselves or who undergo a test indicating a gambling addiction can request a gaming ban to protect themselves from potential harm. How can they do so? Here’s how!

Third-Party Initiated Bans

A gaming ban can also be requested by third parties. Gambling providers may request a ban if they notice concerning gaming behavior in their relative, friend, or a loved one. Relatives and life partners who are worried about a person’s well-being can also request a ban.

If a ban is requested by a third party, the person concerned must be given the opportunity to make a statement before the ban begins. Reasons for a online gambling player ban may include the risk of gambling addiction, excessive debts, or a tendency to place unusually high stakes that pose a financial risk.

Blocking Periods

When it comes to the OASIS player ban system. there are both unlimited and limited blocking periods. The minimum duration for an unlimited blocking period is one year, while a limited self-blocking period has a minimum duration of three months.

Special Case: 24-Hour Ban

An exception is the 24-hour ban, which can be triggered by the so-called panic button. This function is explicitly provided for in the State Treaty on Gambling. When the panic button is clicked, the player is immediately blocked to ensure immediate player protection. The temporary ban ends automatically after 24 hours.

Lifting the OASIS player ban

The OASIS player ban is not automatically removed. The banned player must submit a written request to lift the suspension after the suspension period has lapsed. Any request submitted earlier will not be considered.

In the case of a third-party ban, the initiators of the ban are informed of a lifting request and have the opportunity to apply for the ban again. If the ban is successfully lifted, the applicant is informed, underscoring the structured approach of the OASIS system to promote player protection and prevent gambling addiction.

Is it possible to play at online casinos despite being banned from OASIS?

Absolutely. Even though a ban stored in the OASIS system prevents affected players from playing at licensed gambling operators in Germany, offshore online casinos are always an option. The OASIS system only applies to providers with an official German license and who are therefore subject to the regulations of the State Treaty on Gambling.

The international gambling market is filled with non-German online casinos that gladly accept German players who have been banned by the OASIS exclusion system and can’t officially play at German-licensed casinos. Make no mistake, these offshore casinos are trustworthy, legitimate, and reliable options for those who can no longer visit German-licensed operators but would like to continue enjoying online gambling.

We are not saying that gambling-related issues don’t exist or shouldn’t be taken seriously; however, not everyone has a severe gambling problem, and for those individuals, online gaming can be a joyous pastime activity. They shouldn’t be subjected to the harsh and somewhat unreasonable limitations set by the German gambling regulator and the OASIS player blocking system.

Removing the OASIS player ban? How does it work?

The lifting of a player ban from the OASIS system can only be done by the Darmstadt Regional Council. Players who want to have their ban lifted must first submit an application. The required application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Darmstadt Regional Council.

After the application has been submitted, the gaming ban will remain in place until it is officially lifted by the Darmstadt Regional Council. The player will be informed once the ban has been successfully lifted.

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Everything About OASIS – FAQ