Austria: Slot machines soon in cinemas and bakeries?

The Safety Committee of the state parliament of Upper Austria is discussing the planned amendment to the gambling law. It concerns, among other things, the relaxation of regulations for operating slot machines. With this amendment, we could soon have gambling machines in the commercial premises of supermarkets, cinemas or bakeries. The planned gambling amendment is however facing several criticism. Experts are trying to calm down the situation and to mediate.

Gambling machines soon in cinemas, bakeries or supermarkets?

The current government coalition of FPÖ und ÖVP is planning to soon allow the setting up of gambling slots in “spaces in commercial premises which are accessible to the public”. De facto this will broaden the availability of gambling, since the gambling machines can then also be set up by many traders.This includes for example bakeries, supermarkets, shopping centres and cinemas. Therefore the government in Upper Austria is reacting against the path of the Federal Government. The amendment to the gambling regulations in Upper Austria make it much easier for licence holders to set up gambling slots.

With nearly 1,5 million inhabitants, Upper Austria is the third largest region in Austria. The region which borders with Bavaria, and whose capital state is Linz, is currently governed by the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

Currently, similar to Germany, gambling slots can only be legally set up in “commercially approved spaces of operators of the hospitality industry” Here those responsible must assure that the slot machines will not be accessible to children and youths under 18 years. Quite recently we reported that in Germany, slot machines will soon only be allowed in pubs with age checks and an unlocking system

Great outcry against planned gambling amendments 

There is already vocal criticism against the new regulations. The ruling parties in Upper Austria are already being harshly criticised from all sides because of this proposal. Experts however are pointing out, that the outcry is generally too huge and there are still strict measures in place to protect the gamblers. In fact it is legally prescribed that there must be spatial separation and access control between the actual commercial premises (e.g. bakery) and the slot machines. Further to this there are strict limitations, not only on the number of licences, but also on the number of machines which are set up.

On the other hand, the regional police head office in Upper Austria is warning of an “uncontrolled growth“ of slot machines and they are therefore taking a sceptical position. Even the parties in the opposition, SPÖ and The Greens do not find anything positive in the planned law amendment. On the opposite: They have long been in favour of a ban on small gambling in their region. The Finance Ministry responsible at Federal Level also rejected the plans of the Upper Austrian government, because the ministry does not approve of the planned unrestrictive increase in the number of gambling machines.

Further experts however point out, that the law amendment simply reflects the reality. It is now already possible to set up slot machines in shopping centres, petrol stations or cinemas. Currently however they must be in possession of a licence for the hospitality industry. This restriction will now be dropped, the other measures in place to protect the gambler will however still be remain in place. The responsible FP provencial councillor Wolfgang Klinger replies to the accusations of the SPÖ and the Greens as follows:

“In Upper Austria, we take the gambler protection in Upper Austria very seriously and will continue to take care that the minors will not be allowed to gamble.”

Conclusion

Gambling machines can theoretically still be set up in cinemas, shopping centres or bakeries. However it is necessary to have a licence for the hospitality industry. It is however impossible, that a gambling machine will be standing next to the counter in the bakery in the corner. Because even if the planned gambling amendment will be turned into practice as suggested, slot machines and commercial enterprises must still be spatially separated. It can however be seriously questioned, whether the further liberalisation of small gambling is according to gambler protection.

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