Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Government’s Drug and Addiction Commissioner (CDU), has demanded that both the federal government and the states adopt a much tougher stance against illegal gambling operations. Warning that the current situation poses a profound threat to the social fabric, Streeck stressed that the issue is far beyond concerns over minor, indoor gaming machines. Instead, he pointed to organized crime, large-scale money laundering, and profits earned directly at the expense of vulnerable people struggling with addiction. He asserted that anyone who derives income through illegal activity and addiction should not feel secure doing so within Germany.
The Commissioner warned of a “massive enforcement problem” within the country. Since unauthorized gambling can generate millions in illicit profits, he argued that systemic improvements are necessary, requiring increased controls, closer cooperation between federal and state authorities, and stricter criminal prosecutions. Authorities must be equipped to better identify organized structures, secure evidence, and rapidly dismantle illegal offerings-whether physical machines or online platforms.
Streeck also identified a specific legal loophole concerning sophisticated illegal gaming machines. He noted that if the profits are not automatically dispensed by the device but are paid out manually by personnel, gathering proof that the activity constitutes gambling becomes significantly difficult. Because of this gap, he advocated for reviewing whether the mere setup of such manipulative or unregistered devices should be criminalized. Streeck concluded that the government cannot afford to be tricked in this realm; countering illegal gambling-which systematically abuses addiction, launder money, and undermines the rule of law-requires a clear and decisive state response.