GGL imposes heavy fine on Platin casino

The operator of the popular Platin Casino has received a letter from the Joint Gaming Authority of the Länder (GGL). Specifically, Malta-based Red Rhino Limited has been ordered to pay a fine of €50,000. The GGL accuses the company of continuing to offer unauthorised online gambling in Germany. But how are those responsible at Red Rhino Limited reacting to the official action?

The German Gambling Authority is getting serious about cracking down on illegal online casinos. After we reported on the GGL's administrative proceedings against Lottoland and Lottohelden in July last year, the Halle-based gaming authority has now imposed a fine on Red Rhino Limited. The Malta-based company operates the well-known Platincasino.

Platin Casino accessible to German players despite prohibition order

The German Gambling Authority has criticised Red Rhino Limited for continuing to offer illegal online gambling in Germany despite an enforceable ban. The operator only switched off the real-money mode on the German website "platincasino.de". Visitors were and are only able to log in or register. However, participation in illegal gambling via the .de domain has long been ruled out. The "platincasino.com" website was still accessible to players from Germany without any problems.

The fine set by the authority is 50,000 euros. However, the authority may repeat or increase the fine until the provider complies with the prohibition order. The official press release of the Joint Gaming Authority of the Länder was published on 14 September and can be found online here.

Provider bids farewell to German-speaking market

In the meantime, the gaming company in question has reacted and German players are no longer able to deposit on the .de platform. When we tried to make a deposit at Platincasino, we instead received the following message:

"We have decided to withdraw from the German market for the time being and to no longer offer the virtual slot game there. This decision was very difficult for us and we gave it our all until the last moment".

If you are a German player and still have money in your Platincasino account, you can withdraw it until 30th September. Of course, Platincasino will still be available after this date - but no longer for players from Germany.

Red Rhino Limited currently only holds an EU gaming licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The company has not yet received a German licence for virtual slots. In a slightly older article from 2021, GambleJoe reported that Platincasino was looking for a Simpsons analyst for €6,000.

GGL is proud of its achievements

The Gaming Authority of Saxony-Anhalt is obviously proud of its consistent action against illegal gambling offers on the internet. GGL board member Benjamin Schwanke commented on the fine in the official press release as follows:

"The GGL's actions are having an impact and we are seeing an increasing crackdown on existing unauthorised online gambling services".

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