The Joint Gambling Authority of the German Federal States (GGL) has welcomed a major investigative operation targeting illegal gambling. This follows an action by the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to information released in connection with the investigation, approximately €5.86bn in gambling stakes have been processed between July 2021 and the end of 2023.
The investigation has resulted in arrests and extensive security measures, with the GGL pointing to close cooperation between gambling regulators and law enforcement as a key factor in the operation.
The GGL said it provides Public Prosecutor’s Offices with findings gathered through its supervisory activities involving the operators and individuals under investigation.
These findings include information obtained through measures such as payment blocking, network suspension and action against the advertising of illegal gambling services.
According to the GGL, the case demonstrates the significance of regulatory and law enforcement agencies working together to tackle illegal gambling markets.
The regulator has also issued a direct warning to consumers, advising them not to use illegal gambling services, including Platincasino, which the authority specifically named in its statement.
The GGL said it is committed to guaranteeing the fight against illegal gambling receives greater focus at the legislative level, including from a criminal law perspective.
The regulator further noted it will continue its supervisory measures against illegal gambling offers and cooperate with law enforcement authorities where investigations justify further action.
Last month, the GGL also warned against participation in illegal prediction markets. It emphasised that such participation can be a criminal offence.
In July, the GGL and IT provider Dataport expanded the regulator's LUGAS data system to support the upcoming review of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling
