German authorities have launched a major enforcement operation against a suspected illegal online gambling network accused of handling more than €5.8 billion in wagers since 2021.
The Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office announced searches at 11 properties across Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region following an investigation lasting more than three years. The operation involved the Frankfurt tax investigation unit, North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Office for the Combat of Financial Crime and Frankfurt police.
More than 100 officers participated. Authorities executed one arrest warrant, seized high-value vehicles and froze bank accounts under an asset restraint order worth around €82 million.
Investigators allege that five suspects operated commercial online gambling services without the required German licences from at least July 2021. Wagers placed through the platforms between July 2021 and the end of 2023 reportedly exceeded €5.8 billion.
Tax Probe Expands Illegal Gambling Case
Authorities are also examining suspected tax offences linked to the operation. Investigators estimate unpaid gambling-related taxes could reach approximately €77.6 million for 2024 alone.
“The extensive investigations were prompted by the allegation that the five suspects identified so far have continuously offered commercial and organized gambling via the internet from at least July 2021 to the present day, without possessing the required German license,” investigators said.
The public prosecutor’s office said the suspects allegedly failed to pay gambling taxes fully or at all during the period under review.
“In addition to the search warrants, an asset freeze totaling approximately 82 million euros was executed,” investigators said.
Industry Groups Demand Stronger Oversight
The German Sports Betting Association (DSWV) welcomed the operation and said the case showed the scale of Germany’s illegal gambling market.
DSWV president Mathias Dahms said, “This successful investigation clearly demonstrates the scale that the illegal gambling market has now reached.”
Dahms said unlicensed operators create consumer risks because they lack protections required from regulated gambling businesses. He called for continued enforcement against illegal services while maintaining strict standards for licensed operators.
The association added that the investigation should trigger a review of current estimates of Germany’s black market.
Online Casino Rules Face Renewed Scrutiny
The German Online Casino Association (DOCV) also supported the enforcement action and highlighted concerns over existing regulation.
DOCV board member Kevin O’Neal said the scale of the case raised questions about official estimates of illegal gambling activity. The group pointed to differences between GGL figures and independent research.
The GGL’s 2025 activity report estimated the illegal market accounted for 23% of online gambling revenue in 2024, equal to €547 million in gross gaming revenue. DOCV cited Nielsen data suggesting the share could be around 56%.
The trade group renewed calls for a nationwide licensing framework for online casino games and stronger measures against unlicensed operators.
Germany’s Interstate Treaty on Gambling is undergoing review, with the process expected to conclude by the end of the year. Regulators decided in July to remove the €1 stake limit for online slots as part of the ongoing assessment.
Source:
“Illegal online gambling: Investigators strike”, zeit.de, September 9, 2026
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