Playing at your own risk? Why German gamblers face criminal investigations

For years, the debate on unlicensed online casinos in Germany focused on operators and on gamblers reclaiming their losses. Increasingly, however, players themselves are receiving letters from the police and the public prosecutor. What exactly are they accused of – and why do these cases so often collapse?

A letter nobody expects

The scenario is becoming familiar. A gambler who spent evenings on an online casino, a virtual slot site or a poker platform suddenly finds a summons for questioning or a formal notice of investigation in the mailbox. The allegation: participation in unlawful gambling. For many recipients, this comes as a shock. The website looked professional, carried a European licence seal, accepted payment via well-known payment services and advertised openly.