Eitorf: Club chairman in court over slot machines

Over a period of several years, a football club in Eitorf, North Rhine-Westphalia (population 19,000), had a total of three gaming machines in the clubhouse. Despite regular checks by the authorities, one of the club's volunteers suddenly found himself in the dock. The charge: illegal gambling.

Around a fortnight ago, a 35-year-old volunteer at a football club had to answer to the Siegburg district court for illegal gambling. As club chairman, he was also responsible for the clubhouse, where three slot machines had been installed for many years. These machines were now (almost) the young man's undoing.

Honorary club chairman wanted to act in accordance with the law

The 35-year-old club chairman from Eitorf no longer understood the world. As the person in charge of the association, he wanted to do everything right and comply with all applicable regulations. For this reason, he applied for a liquor licence and strictly enforced the smoking ban in the clubhouse. In addition, he always paid the amusement tax to the municipality of Eitorf on time for the three gaming machines located on the premises. So what's the problem?

Fun games could be played on the three slot machines in the clubhouse. We have already reported several times on GambleJoe about this type of slot machine, where virtually limitless losses are possible. Most recently, in an article published a year ago, we discussed how offenders use "fun games" to defraud players and the authorities.

Club chairman should now pay over 20,000 euros in compensation

The illegal gaming machines were discovered during a police check in autumn 2022. In this context, the investigating authorities confiscated the gaming machines from the clubhouse and filed corresponding charges.

The Eitorfer football club received a monthly payment of 150 euros from the machine operator - as stipulated in the contract. The club was then able to use the money to buy various training materials such as footballs and pay its referees.

The public prosecutor's office in Bonn has now demanded that the club chairman be held liable as the person responsible and pay 20,500 euros in compensation. This is said to be the estimated winnings. These winnings were therefore wrongfully generated with the slot machines.

Criminal proceedings against club boss dropped

After a brief consultation, the criminal proceedings against the 35-year-old were quickly dropped at Siegburg District Court. The district attorney and judge Julia Dibbert agreed on this, as the accused could not be proven to have acted with intent. The court and procedural costs were borne by the state treasury.

The gaming machines that have been confiscated to date will soon be released by the judiciary so that they can be returned to the clubhouse - hopefully with a legal gaming offer.

The acquitted club chairman was pleased that the case had been dropped. At the same time, the personal risks of his voluntary work have given him pause for thought, meaning that his motivation for the club's work is currently very low.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/fussball-kreisliga-kreisklasse-1669214/