Recent analyses by a renowned data company have raised eyebrows: apparently far fewer Germans play online than would actually be expected in a European comparison. An outlier? Or is there more to it than that?
Chris_W
For many, a game at the grab machine is an integral part of a visit to the funfair. In Georgsmarienhütte in Lower Saxony, however, this could soon become more difficult: The town council is discussing an extensive ban on the machines at local events due to their gambling nature. Although a complete ban is unlikely, a reduction is looming. In fact, such grippers and classic gaming machines are not all that different.
Chris_W
For the second year in a row, the number of cases of illegal gambling in the police crime statistics (PKS) has risen significantly. In 2024, the police recorded a total of exactly 6,247 cases of illegal gambling in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). But why is it that the number of cases also rose significantly last year?
Christian_1994
In mid-March 2025, it was revealed that three German online casinos had exposed sensitive information of more than one million players to the public due to massive data protection vulnerabilities. In the wake of this, the question arises as to whether the German gambling supervisory authority should also take a closer look at the technical infrastructure of such platforms. In addition, the specialist press has reported (not without criticism) on a side effect that is probably quite pleasing for the authorities: Various illegal providers are said to have disappeared from the net following the hack.
Chris_W
Illegal online gambling is growing across Europe - despite strict regulation. Insiders warn that tough measures are of little help - in some cases they can even strengthen the black market. It would be more effective to understand the players. The German model is also part of the debate.
Chris_W
According to the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV), the cross-provider deposit limit may not exceed 1,000 euros per month and player. Under certain conditions, however, it is possible to claim significantly higher limits for online gambling. However, there has now been criticism of the procedures for checking economic capacity in order to increase limits.
Christian_1994
IP blocking is generally seen as the most effective weapon in the fight against illegal online gambling. The Joint Gambling Authority of the German federal states (GGL) wanted to use it immediately after it was given responsibility for combating the gambling black market in Germany. However, the judiciary had its objections. Recently, the Federal Administrative Court once again confirmed that IP bans are not enforceable. However, GGL continues to negotiate and is using an alternative method in the meantime.
Chris_W
Luxury: "costly, extravagant, exceeding the normal scope of living, not necessary, pursued only for pleasure; splendor, lavish opulence". Is this definition from the dictionary still valid today? Looking at the data from a recent EuroJackpot study, it can be questioned, at least from a social perspective. For Germans, personal freedom and extraordinary experiences are now much stronger status symbols than bling-bling and ostentatious consumption.
Chris_W
Bremen is continuing its tough regulatory approach to betting shops. According to a press release from the Senate, the consistent enforcement of distancing rules means that there are actually only eight approved locations - a reduction of a whopping 75 percent since 2022. Politicians are celebrating this as a success. But is it really appropriate to publicly celebrate the closure of fundamentally legal businesses?
Chris_W
Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is suspected of having laundered hundreds of thousands of euros through gambling bets. The investigation has been ongoing for several weeks. It is not yet clear where the money came from. Reynders is keeping quiet. Was a gambling addiction the decisive factor or are there other, possibly dubious reasons behind it?
Chris_W
In mid-December, the German interior ministers agreed that illegal gambling offers from foreign providers should be consistently prosecuted and severely punished. In this context, there was also a proposal to set up a special public prosecutor's office to deal with such illegal gambling offers. But how sensible is such a proposal?
Christian_1994
At the beginning of the month, the state government of Schleswig-Holstein announced its intention to sell a total of four state casinos. These are said to be the locations in Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg and Schenefeld. But what are the reasons for Schleswig-Holstein wanting to part with its casinos?
Christian_1994
At a recent congress in Berlin, the GGL spoke about (new) measures to advance the fight against the black market in Germany. One of the topics discussed was Section 284 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), which criminalizes illegal gambling. If the authorities have their way, this should be clearly extended to online providers based abroad as quickly as possible. In fact, such an amendment could have considerable consequences for casinos or sports betting platforms and their users!
Chris_W
Just before Christmas 2024, two Paderborn residents who allegedly amassed a small fortune with the help of illegal slot machines made headlines. The two were caught during a raid. Several gaming machines, as well as luxury cars, Rolex watches and other valuables, were among the items seized. The investigation is ongoing. You would think that this would put an end to the scam. But far from it: the perpetrators have now been caught again brokering illegal games of chance. This time the handcuffs clicked.
Chris_W
Several German online casinos were recently affected by a hacker attack. It is alleged that sensitive customer data was temporarily accessible to third parties. The three online gambling providers, which are owned by Merkur AG, have already informed their players of the incidents by email. But what is the best way for those affected to react and who is behind this?
Christian_1994