German Authorities Probe €5.86bn Illegal Gambling Case

German authorities have carried out searches as part of an investigation into a suspected illegal online gambling operation believed to have processed around €5.86 billion in bets over a 30-month period. The developments have prompted trade groups DSWV and DOCV to call for the GGL’s channelization estimates to be reconsidered.

According to the German Press, Tuesday’s operation involved the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, the Frankfurt tax investigation unit, the North Rhine-Westphalia Office for the Fight Against Financial Crime and Frankfurt police. Searches were conducted at 11 premises.

More than 100 officers reportedly participated in the operation. Authorities seized several high-value vehicles, froze bank accounts and issued an asset seizure order worth approximately €82 million. Police also executed an arrest warrant.

Investigators believe five individuals continued to provide unauthorised online gambling services in Germany from July 2021. Between 2021 and 2023, the total amount wagered through their platforms is believed to have exceeded €5.8 billion.

The investigation also includes suspected large-scale tax evasion. Authorities estimate that the tax shortfall for 2024 could amount to approximately €77.7 million.

The DSWV, which represents legal bookmakers, welcomed the operation and described it as evidence of the scale of Germany’s illegal gambling market.

Mathias Dahms, DSWV president, commented:

“This successful investigation clearly demonstrates the scale that the illegal gambling market has now reached.”