European Court. Source: BFM

European Court to Decide on German Claims for Gambling Losses

Cases involving clients seeking compensation for gambling losses in Germany are set to be decided by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The issue arose before the legalization of the gambling industry in the country, questioning whether operators should reimburse money lost by gamers.

Multiple class-action lawsuits argue that these losses should be refunded because gambling was illegal at the time. A regional court has mandated that all German civil courts refer such cases to the European Court for a final decision.

Hambach & Hambach, a law firm representing operators, contends that awarding refunds to players could trigger a flood of cases, with law firms initiating class-action lawsuits over losses in both online casinos and sports betting. The firm further argues that ruling in favor of customers might incentivize more people to gamble with unlicensed operators, believing they can recover losses.

23 May 2024, 08:00

Legal European Union (EU)Germany Gambling

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