OASIS Self-Exclusion Duration 2026: Minimum, Cooling-off & When It Ends

'How long does an OASIS block last?' is the most common question after applying — and the answer is mathematically clear but rarely explained compactly. Three numbers together determine the actual duration: the minimum period, the cooling-off wait when lifting, and the authority's processing time.

**Minimum period: 1 year.** § 8(5) GlüStV mandates a 12-month minimum exclusion duration — for self- and third-party exclusions alike. Any lifting request filed before those 12 months elapse is rejected without review. This period is deliberately calibrated: it bridges seasonal triggers (Christmas, tax refunds, World Cup / European Championship) and gives addictive structures time to loosen.

**Cooling-off on lifting: 1 month.** After at least 12 months you can file a lifting request. From the day the authority receives it a legally required 1-month waiting period begins before the block is actually removed. This period cannot be shortened — not even with a medical certificate or legal representation. The purpose: an impulsive decision should not open an immediate route back to gambling.

**Authority processing time.** On top of the cooling-off, allow typically 2–4 weeks of processing at the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt. So between filing and actual release, realistically 6–10 weeks pass. During that time the block stays active at every GGL operator.

**Time-limited vs indefinite.** When applying (see [Apply for OASIS block](/en/blog/how-to-apply-for-oasis-self-exclusion-step-by-step)) you choose between a time-limited block (typically 1, 3, 5 years) or an indefinite one. A time-limited block ends automatically at expiry — no application, no cooling-off. An indefinite block stays active until you have it lifted in writing. Counselling services recommend indefinite because the active step to lift adds an extra threshold.

**Worked example.** Application on 1 February 2026 (indefinite). Earliest lifting request: 1 February 2027. Application filed on 5 February 2027. Cooling-off ends on 5 March 2027. Authority decision and actual release typically early April 2027 — about 14 months after the original block.

**What happens during the waiting period.** The block stays technically active. All GGL operators keep rejecting. The 1-month wait is explicitly designed as 'reflection time' — counselling statistics show that around 20–30% of lifting requests are withdrawn in this window. If you want to reverse: an informal letter or email to the Regierungspräsidium suffices.

**Can the block end early?** No. Neither a lawyer, nor a medical certificate, nor urgent life circumstances shorten the 12-month minimum or the 1-month wait. Anyone trying to register under a false identity commits document fraud — and GGL operators now reliably detect multi-identities via bank and ID data.

**What the block means after ending.** After a successful lifting, the standard limits kick in immediately — in particular the €1,000 monthly limit across all GGL operators (§ 6c GlüStV). There is no 'test phase' with reduced limits. Anyone who runs into control issues again can re-apply for a block at any time — the counter then restarts from 0.

**Bottom line.** The shortest possible OASIS block lasts 13–14 months: 12 months minimum + 1 month cooling-off + authority processing. Anyone who chose an indefinite block and files no lifting request is protected for as long as they want. More resources: [Lifting an OASIS block](/en/blog/oasis-self-exclusion-lift-guide-2026), counselling at [gluecksspielsucht.de](https://www.gluecksspielsucht.de).