German court acquits gambler in unlicensed online casino case

A landmark ruling raises questions about enforcement as a player walks free. But the risks of unlicensed gambling in Germany remain unresolved.

, and Administrator

2025 November 22 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

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German court acquits gambler in unlicensed online casino case

A German court has acquitted a player accused of illegal gambling after using an online casino without a German license. The ruling centred on unclear laws, leaving the broader risks of unlicensed gambling unchanged. Operators and regulators now face fresh scrutiny over enforcement gaps in the market.

The case revolved around a player who accessed an international online casino lacking a German license. Under the State Treaty on Gaming, which took effect in July 2021, only licensed providers can legally offer online slots and poker in Germany. The court, however, found that the player could not reasonably have known their actions were illegal.

The acquittal leaves the legal landscape for online gambling in Germany uncertain. Players using unlicensed sites still risk financial and legal consequences, despite this specific ruling. Regulators now face pressure to close loopholes and ensure fair competition between licensed and international operators.