Online gambling in Germany has escalated since its legalization in 2021, but illegal casinos without player protections are a rising concern. Investigations reveal connections between the IT firm ‘SoftSwiss’ and numerous unlicensed online gambling platforms. These operations, linked to entities in Malta and Curaçao, pose significant risks for players, including addiction and legal issues. Authorities are urged to enhance measures against illegal gambling, as ‘SoftSwiss’ operates without a German license, allowing such casinos to thrive unchecked.
Online Gambling in Germany: A Growing Concern
Since the legalization of online gambling in Germany in 2021, the landscape has changed dramatically. However, the rise of illegal online casinos with insufficient player protection has become a significant issue. Recent investigations highlight potential links between these unregulated platforms and a Berlin-based entrepreneur.
Investigating the ‘SoftSwiss’ Connection
At first glance, ‘SoftSwiss’ seems to be a standard IT firm specializing in software solutions for online casinos. Founded by a German businessman with Belarusian roots, he positions himself as a tech entrepreneur actively engaging in podcasts and interviews. Yet, recent research indicates that ‘SoftSwiss’ and its founder might be involved with numerous illegal online casinos targeting German players without the necessary licensing.
Analysis of gambling websites suggests a complex network extending from Malta and Cyprus to the Caribbean island of Curaçao, revealing direct ties between this IT provider and a multitude of illegal online gambling operations.
Gambling issues are not confined to Germany; the problem is significant in Italy as well, where gambling contributes significantly to the economy while addiction remains a pressing concern. According to gambling researcher Tobias Hayer from the University of Bremen, illegal casinos often entice players with substantial winnings and no deposit limits, which can heighten addiction risks compared to licensed platforms. Many players may unknowingly engage with these unlicensed sites, putting themselves at legal risk.
Operators of licensed online casinos are mandated by the State Treaty on Gambling to implement measures to protect players. For instance, the nationwide gambling blocking system, OASIS, allows individuals struggling with gambling addiction to self-exclude from licensed providers. However, on illegal sites, these players can gamble freely, exacerbating their addiction and leading to significant health, financial, and social issues.
BR’s investigation involved examining imprint information from hundreds of illegal online casino websites, revealing connections to ‘SoftSwiss.’ These casinos are reportedly operated by N1 Interactive Ltd. from Malta and Dama N.V. based in Curaçao. Evidence from court documents and company registries suggests a close relationship between these entities and ‘SoftSwiss,’ often obscured by intricate corporate structures, which money laundering expert Konrad Duffy describes as a common tactic to hide ownership and evade taxes.
The scale of these operations is underscored by a transfer document indicating that N1 Interactive Ltd. transferred two million euros to Dama N.V. in March 2022, while their account balance was reported to exceed seven million euros. Additionally, documents from the insolvent Wirecard Bank reveal that ‘SoftSwiss’ was a client linked to a predecessor company of Dama N.V., processing payments exceeding 61 million euros through Wirecard in 2018.
Further connections have emerged through advertising practices, as ‘SoftSwiss’ appeared to recruit new employees via Google ads placed by Dama N.V. Additionally, an online casino’s domain was initially registered using a ‘SoftSwiss’ email address, indicating a deeper relationship. Despite multiple attempts to contact ‘SoftSwiss’ for comments, there has been no response, and the presumption of innocence remains applicable.
Reports suggest that the German gambling authority (GGL) was made aware of ‘SoftSwiss’ months ago, yet they have refrained from commenting on possible administrative actions. Notably, ‘SoftSwiss’ does not hold a license in Germany and has not applied for one. As a result, illegal online casinos continue to operate freely in the country.
Burkhart Blienert, the federal government’s addiction commissioner, emphasizes the need for enhanced measures to combat illegal gambling. He advocates for equipping authorities with the necessary tools to address the issue effectively. The legal applicability of German criminal law to foreign gambling providers remains contested, with calls for legislative expansion to enable public prosecutors to take action against illegal gambling targeting German players.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, please seek help from resources like bzga.de or the BZgA gambling addiction hotline at 0800 1 37 27 00.
This topic was reported by BR24 on November 27, 2024, at 12:15 PM.