German Casino Refuses to Award Jackpot Win

A German online casino, known as Casino Club, has refused to reward a local player with over €160,000 in prize money. The site had accused the player of winning a progressive jackpot with funds earned from an "illegal" win in one of their blackjack games.

The player denied any wrongdoing and brought his case to Casino Club's licensing body, the Maltese Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), as the fact that the site is licensed abroad, means German gambling laws do not apply. However, as the law in Malta states gambling debts are not enforceable, the LGA have told the player that there is little they can do to help him.

The winnings have been removed from the player's account, but interestingly, they have yet to be returned to the progressive jackpot total. The software provider behind Casino Club, Boss Media, are responsible for paying all winnings, although it has yet to be confirmed if they have been involved. The player sought the advice of lawyers in Germany and has been told to bring the case to the Maltese courts, where Casino Club will need to prove their allegations against him.

But whatever the outcome may be, the fact gambling debts are not enforceable in Malta means the LGA are ultimately powerless when it comes to player protection. This could turn many players away from sites registered in the country.