Unlawful Betting Activities in Hamburg South and Harburg: Two Detentions in the Former and Three in the latter
In a series of recent raids, German authorities have been actively enforcing regulations against illegal gambling activities. On Wednesday, May 4, 2023, two establishments, Cafe am Sand in the Hamburg district of Harburg and Mavilim e.V., were shut down following the discovery of gambling machines.
During the raid at Mavilim e.V., four gambling machines, computers, hard drives, and a total of 6,000 euros in cash were seized. Three men were arrested at the venue, and their residence status remains unclear. The raid was part of ongoing investigations into illegal gambling, money laundering, black work, and the suspicion of the formation of criminal associations.
In a separate incident, authorities found three gambling machines at Cafe am Sand, where suspicions of money laundering and connections to the OASIS blocking file, a tool used to ensure youth and player protection, also arose.
Germany's Glücksspielstaatsvertrag (State Treaty on Gambling) and related local regulations govern the legal requirements for setting up slot machines in catering establishments. Operators must obtain a license to legally offer slot machines, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for fair play, player protection, and technical requirements.
Establishments are subject to strict rules regarding the number of machines allowed, minimum distances from schools or youth facilities, and sometimes limits on operating hours. Machines must meet technical standards, including RNG (Random Number Generation) certification, to guarantee fairness and prevent manipulation. Players must be at least 18 years old to play on slot machines.
Establishments must notify local regulatory authorities when installing slot machines and are subject to regular inspections for compliance with hygiene, safety, and gambling regulations. Operators must comply with tax obligations and may need to pay levies on slot machine revenues.
Given the complexity and recent updates in German gambling laws, operators generally have to work closely with local authorities and possibly acquire support from legal experts to ensure they meet all requirements.
This crackdown on illegal gambling activities follows a large-scale raid against the Cologne sports betting provider Tipster a few weeks ago, signalling a continued focus on enforcing gambling regulations in Germany. As of August 6, 2024, the latest update on these investigations was reported.
What is the status of the three men arrested during the raid at Mavilim e.V.? Is their residence status currently clear?
In light of the ongoing investigations into illegal gambling and related crimes such as money laundering, what types of establishments might be subject to further raids and investigations in the future?
As German authorities continue to enforce regulations against casino-gambling activities, what legal requirements must operators follow to ensure their compliance with gambling-trends and general-news standards?
