The claim for repayment of losses in online casinos is not based on goodwill or classic consumer protection, but on civil law norms, specifically Section 134 of the German Civil Code (BGB). According to this, a legal transaction that violates a statutory prohibition is void. In the context of gambling, this principle is interpreted through the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) and BGH case law. If gambling offers are operated without a valid German license, they violate legal regulations—and the resulting contracts with players are therefore invalid.

The State Treaty on Gambling and Missing German Licenses

The State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) is the central regulatory framework for legal gambling in Germany. Since its first version in 2008, it has been clarified that only providers with a license from the competent German authorities may legally operate. Until July 1, 2021, there was virtually no licensed framework for online casinos. This means: almost all foreign operators—even those with EU licenses from Malta, Gibraltar, or Curaçao—acted illegally in Germany because they lacked a German permit.
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Landmark BGH Ruling on the Invalidity of Gambling Contracts

The decisive breakthrough for players came on April 13, 2023, with the ruling of the Federal Court of Justice (Az. III ZR 49/22). The BGH clarified: contracts with unlicensed online casinos are void under Section 134 BGB. This removes the central defense of many providers—that the player played “voluntarily.” From a civil law perspective, this declaration of intent was void from the beginning.
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Why You Can Claim


Legal facts for your recovery

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10-Year Limit


Claims dating back up to 10 years

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85%+ Success


High success rate in German courts

Success Chances: Casino Chargeback vs. Litigation

Success depends on the period of play, the provider’s license status, and the amount lost. While civil lawsuits are now considered very promising, a chargeback via payment providers is often faster but less reliable.
Method Period Success Rate Cost Risk
Civil Lawsuit Up to 10 years Very High (85%+) Zero via Litigation Funding
Chargeback 6–18 months Medium/Low No direct risk, but often fails for old cases

Step-by-Step Guide to Reclaiming Your Losses

How to Start Your Claim

Follow these steps to recover your funds

Step 1
01

Compile Transactions

Step 2
02

Check License

Step 3
03

Legal Action

  1. Compile Transaction List: Gather all payment receipts (bank statements, PayPal history, Klarna).
  2. Check License Status: Research if the provider had a German license at the time of play.
  3. Legal Consultation: Use a free initial consultation with a specialized law firm.
  4. Choose Your Path: Decide between a lawsuit or a chargeback based on the amount.
  5. Enforcement: File the claim and receive your repayment, usually within weeks to months.

Liability of Payment Providers: PayPal, Credit Cards, and Klarna

Payment providers like PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, or Klarna are not just technical intermediaries—they may be liable under certain circumstances. They facilitated payments to illegal gambling providers despite them not being authorized to offer services in Germany. Some courts have ruled that payment providers do not act “neutrally” when repeatedly processing transactions for illegal operators.
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About Our Legal Support

We specialize in helping players reclaim lost funds from illegal online casinos. By leveraging the latest BGH rulings and partnering with litigation funders, we ensure that you can fight for your rights without any financial risk.

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FAQ: Online Casino Rulings 2026

Frequently asked questions about money back claims

Can I claim money back if the casino is licensed today?

Yes. The decisive factor is the license status at the time of your stakes. If you lost money before they obtained a license, the claim remains valid.

Does the BGH ruling apply to sports betting?

No. Sports betting was subject to a different legal framework before 2021. Claims primarily apply to online casinos (slots, roulette, etc.).

How long does the recovery process take?

A chargeback takes 4–12 weeks. A lawsuit can take 6–18 months, but over 80% of cases are settled out of court once the provider realizes the legal situation.

Do I have to pay taxes on reclaimed money?

No. Since it is a repayment of your own stakes and not income, there is no tax obligation.

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