In Germany online gambling is strictly regulated. Only state and licensed providers are allowed, but this doesn’t prevent numerous Germans from playing for real money using foreign online casinos. However, when dealing with gambling debts, the providers are moving about on a legal minefield, since German players can refuse the payment on legal grounds.
In 2011, Germany introduced an outright ban on online gambling. Online casinos are prohibited – with some exceptions, such as sports betting and lotteries – which leads Germans to play and pay on foreign sites. According to Spiegelreports, 85% of the money in online gambling is being transacted in the illegal, unregulated market.
Now, many gamblers who were left with gambling debts are using German laws to avoid paying what they owe. “I clearly pointed out to American Express that online gambling is illegal in this country,” explained Ilona Füchtenschnieder from the Gambling Addiction Association, saving a player from a 2000 euro payment. American Express dropped the debt, and settled with the gambling provider.
Full article: Focus (German)
