The Federal Minister of Justice, Marco Buschmann (FDP), wants to relax criminal law and, among other things, decriminalise participation in illegal gambling. Shortly afterwards, the first critical voices were raised by the federal government's addiction commissioner and several associations. But what would be the consequences of removing illegal gambling from the penal code?
Christian_1994
The correct handling of personal data is an extremely sensitive issue for all types of companies operating on the Internet. Online casinos with a German licence in particular collect a lot of data these days. This is mainly done for reasons of player protection. But is this really legal? This exciting topic was recently the subject of a legal article.
Chris_W
And once again, the much-discussed loot boxes are causing a stir: WestLotto recently presented a regulatory proposal for such features. However, the video games industry lobby organisation "game" does not like this at all. It sees no reason for further action.
Chris_W
Over a period of almost ten years, a player lost a total of almost €140,000 at an online casino. He has now taken his casino losses to court - with success. The plaintiff based his claim on the fact that he was unaware that online gambling was illegal in Germany at the time.
Christian_1994
An online gambling provider based in Malta has taken action against the so-called payment block by the German gambling authorities. Specifically, the authority has prohibited a payment service provider from accepting payments to the casino without a German licence. The online casino, in turn, took legal action against this ban in summary proceedings - but without success.
Christian_1994
Loot boxes have always been criticised as gambling or gambling-like features. WestLotto has now presented what it calls "the first concrete approach to the legal control of gambling-like elements in games". What exactly does this mean?
Chris_W
After losing more than $7,500 at PlayCherry Casino over the course of about a year, a player has demanded his losses be returned in full - with success. The Traunstein District Court ruled on 6 September that the gambling company must pay back the casino losses in full. But what were the reasons for the ruling and why is this case about US dollars and not euros?
Christian_1994
It was a real hammer blow when Malta announced in the summer of this year that it would legislate against foreign claims for losses against the domestic gambling industry. It took some time for the German authorities and politicians to react. Most recently, there have been indications of a complaint to the EU Commission. Recently, the Joint Gaming Authority of the German states issued a new statement. What does this mean for Maltese casinos or sports betting portals and players in Germany?
Chris_W
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?
Christian_1994
Gambling is always and everywhere available online, and in particular on internet-enabled mobile devices. Similarly, advertising for gambling seems to be spreading. It is no longer just online casinos and sports betting sites that are being criticised. Promotions are also coming under increasing scrutiny. In this context, the GGL has now launched a tender for a study to clarify whether the current regulations for gambling promotions are fulfilling their purpose.
Chris_W
Online casinos and sports betting providers under German regulation were initially far from being clearly recognisable to all players. Only a small note in the footer referred to the German licence or the responsibility of the Darmstadt Regional Council and later the Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder (GGL). This has now changed.
Chris_W
On the 29th of June, the Federal Fiscal Court published an interesting press release regarding the taxation of poker winnings. It states that winnings from online poker may be subject to income tax in Germany. But under what conditions will poker winnings be taxable in this country?
Christian_1994
It's crazy how the video game landscape has evolved over the last 30 or 40 years: Once upon a time, we were amazed by pixelated strokes and dots in monochrome colours that we could move with a few buttons. Today, however, we can immerse ourselves in huge worlds and characters that increasingly resemble reality or even go beyond its boundaries. In the process, games of chance are also becoming more and more common. These are often not clearly recognisable as such.
Chris_W
Malta has introduced a new law to protect its gambling companies from lawsuits relating to the recovery of losses from abroad. Initially, the German authorities accepted the development rather passively. Now, however, there is a certain amount of resentment. What are the first reactions?
Chris_W
The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) has revoked an already granted licence from the first gambling company. To be more precise, Tipster Limited's permission to organise sports betting on the internet and in stationary operations was revoked with the announcement of a corresponding notice. But why did tipster lose the German licence again so quickly?
Christian_1994