Gambling scandal in Vorarlberg: millions of millions and hard punishments!

Gambling scandal in Vorarlberg: millions of millions and hard punishments!

Feldkirch, Österreich - In Vorarlberg, a judgment against two gaming operators caused a sensation. Today, on June 19, 2025, a 49-year-old Austrian with Turkish roots and a Croatian woman from the Feldkirch Regional Court were convicted. The two had operated several gambling locals over the years, evading around 4.3 million euros in sales tax and gambling taxes, as the economic and corruption prosecutor found. The man was considered a central figure in the illegal gambling scene in the region and was not afraid to found companies in Great Britain and incorporate straw men.

Although both accused denied every guilt at the beginning of the trial and denied the role of the managing director, the Schöffenenat confirmed the allegations of tax evasion. However, they rejected the accusations against them for gang formation. The Austrian was sentenced to a fine of one million euros or alternatively for a replacement imprisonment of eight months. The Croatian defendant received a fine of 800,000 euros or six months in prison if you do not pay. The verdict is not yet final and the procedure against two other men has been hired - one had already died while the other was submerged.

illegal gambling: a growing problem

Illegal gambling not only enjoys popularity in Vorarlberg, but also throughout Austria and beyond. Gambling are activities where the outcome depends on chance, and this is exactly where the problem is. Many affected people use their hard -earned money in unregulated games, where security measures and player protection are missing. This can not only lead to massive financial losses, but also lead to gambling addiction.

according to [lawyer.de] (https://www.anwalt.de/rechtstipps/illegales-glueckspiel-risiken-sikt- und-handlungs- und-handlungs-227223.html) the number of investigative procedures due to illegal gambling in calendar year 2023 rose to over 5,000. Participation in illegal games of chance is not only risky, it can also result in legal consequences. Therefore, the players are advised to find out about their rights and to seek legal support if necessary.

Need for regulation in the gambling sector

The current situation around illegal gambling is also viewed critically by various experts. In a study, published on glueckSpielstudie.de, it is shown that in international comparison, Germany has major deficits in the fight against illegal gambling. Many regulation measures are outdated and not empirically sound. Scientists are calling for a fundamental reform of the gambling sector to make legal offers more attractive and protect consumers.

The dice channeling index, which compares the suitability of legislative measures in relation to illegal gambling, shows that Germany occupies last place. Against this background, it is important that Austria also learns from these experiences. A comprehensive reform could help improve the situation by creating both regulated offers and measures against illegal gambling are enforced more effectively.

The cases like that in Vorarlberg are an example of a bigger problem that has not only local but also national, even international relevance. It remains to be seen whether the authorities and the legislature react to these alarming developments and take measures to increase the opportunities for legal gambling and to point out the illegal providers.