German online blackjack punter prosecuted

Reports from Germany flag the first known prosecution of a German online player for taking part in unlawful online gambling, although details are still awaited on the defendant and the internet venue where he allegedly played.

The case was heard in Munich last September and involved a painter in his ‘twenties who was convicted for playing blackjack at an unidentified illegal online gambling website.

The punter was undone by his own success at the virtual blackjack tables, where he won around Euro 200,000 and withdrew it in five rather large tranches spread over a period of time.

The size of the withdrawals, which were sent to his German bank account, attracted the attention of the authorities, and a police raid on the punter’s home was executed, finding a large sum of money hidden among his belongings.

The court handed down fines totalling Euro 2,100, along with the forfeiture of most of the cash found in his home.

German legislation makes provision for anyone – including players – who takes part in unlawful internet gambling punishable by fines and up to six months imprisonment.

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