Illegal Gambling is a Serious Crime – Is This About to Change?

By

Denitsa Lyutskanova

Denitsa Lyutskanova Chief Editor

Denitsa Lyutskanova is the Head of Content at iGaming.com and a passionate advocate for Safer Gambling. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, she has been with the company since 2011, working across 20+ markets. Denitsa leads a growing team of 30+ talented content writers and editors, driving impactful content strategies while promoting responsible gaming practices.

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· Chief Editor Last Updated: June 6, 2025

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Gambling laws are often presented as safeguards to protect users from harm. But what happens when players choose to use illegal platforms?

In many countries, including Germany, placing a wager with an unlicensed operator is not just treated as a regulatory violation. It’s considered a criminal offense that could land you in the crosshairs of the justice system.

But change may be on the horizon. In some regions, lawmakers are beginning to reconsider whether punishing players is doing more harm than good in the broader fight against black market operators.

The above short video is the second snippet from the recent interview between our CEO, Prof. Dr. Andreas Ditsche, and German attorney Michelle Hembury. In the video, the pair sheds some light on the legal implications of current gambling laws on players.

What are your thoughts? Should players be criminalized for placing bets with an illegal operator? Could a shift toward decriminalization provide a more targeted regulatory approach?

Watch the full video on the iGamingCare YouTube Channel and have your say. In the full interview, Prof. Dr. Andreas Ditsche and Michelle Hembury share various insights into gambling laws and their impact on players and the industry at large.