The Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart has issued a landmark ruling for online sports betting. A player was able to reclaim losses exceeding €10,000 because the online sports betting provider had exceeded legal stake and deposit limits. The ruling clarifies that players can reclaim their money if providers violate the strict regulations of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV).
Exceeding the limits: Why the ruling is groundbreaking
The Interstate Treaty on Gambling stipulates that betting providers may allow their customers a maximum stake of €1,000 per month. In the case at hand, the plaintiff significantly exceeded this limit.
The Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart clarified that such limit violations constitute a breach of Section 4 Paragraph 5 No. 2 of the Interstate Gambling Treaty and therefore render the betting contracts void. This means that players can reclaim their stakes if the providers do not comply with the legal requirements.
The court thus confirmed the previous decision of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH, decision of 22.03.2024 – I ZR 88/23), according to which a violation of stake limits leads to the recovery of losses.
Why is this ruling so relevant for the affected players?
1. Refund possible: Anyone who has lost money through a violation of stake or deposit limits can legally reclaim it.
2. Strong legal basis for future lawsuits: The ruling of the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart clarifies that non-compliance with limits leads to the invalidity of betting contracts.
3. The limitation period only begins upon knowledge of the illegality: Many affected parties can still sue for their losses, as the limitation period only begins upon knowledge of the illegality.
COCRON Lawyers can help: Have your claims reviewed now!
Have you suffered significant losses from online sports betting because your provider violated legal betting limits? Then you have a good chance of getting your money back.
The law firm COCRON Lawyers, headed by attorney Cocron, specializes in gambling law and assists victims in reclaiming unlawfully lost stakes. Have your claims reviewed now free of charge!
