{"id":3328,"date":"2025-02-25T16:11:38","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T15:11:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ra-cocron.de\/fallkreise\/summons-for-illegal-online-casino-how-to-react-correctly\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T09:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T07:08:54","slug":"summons-for-illegal-online-casino-how-to-react-correctly","status":"publish","type":"fallkreise","link":"https:\/\/ra-cocron.de\/en\/fallkreise\/summons-for-illegal-online-casino-how-to-react-correctly\/","title":{"rendered":"Summons for illegal online casino: How to react correctly"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n

Are you under investigation for illegal online gambling? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A summons from the criminal police on suspicion of illegal online gambling can come as a shock to many. Anyone who previously thought that only online casino operators were subject to prosecution will quickly learn otherwise. Players, too, can become targets of investigators and face serious consequences. But before you act rashly or make ill-considered statements, you should thoroughly inform yourself about your rights and the correct course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this page we explain the legal basis, show why you may have received a summons and what measures you should now take.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Received a letter from the police: This is why you are receiving a summons.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

German legislation regulates online gambling very strictly. While there have been legal providers since the reform of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling in 2021, many foreign online casinos still operate without a German license. Participation in such illegal gambling can be considered an administrative offense or even a criminal offense. Investigations often arise from tips from banks reporting suspicious transactions, from complaints by third parties, or from large-scale police investigations against the providers themselves, during which the players are also identified.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Particularly insidious: Before 2021, and thus before the reform of the Interstate Gambling Treaty, almost all online casinos were illegal because they lacked a valid German license. If you played at these online casinos before 2021, you can face legal consequences.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The police have summoned you for questioning to determine the extent of your involvement in illegal gambling. While a summons does not automatically imply guilt, you should take it seriously and prepare accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"Portrait\n <\/div>\n
\n
Istvan Cocron<\/div>\n \n
A summons for illegal online gambling should never be ignored or underestimated. With the right strategy and legal support, many cases can be resolved favorably, without a conviction.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Legal Basis for Criminal Offenses: Section 285 of the German Criminal Code (stgb) & Section 286 of the German Criminal Code (stgb)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A key aspect of investigations into online gambling is its classification under criminal law. Sections 285 and 286 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) are particularly relevant here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n