The fact that tobacco smoke can be unhealthy not only for active smokers, but also for people in their immediate vicinity seems to be sufficiently proven. This is why smoking in public places is now completely banned almost everywhere in Germany. The so-called adjoining room exception can be used as a loophole in some federal states - including Saarland. However, as the local gaming arcades were excluded from this by the new gaming arcade law, one operator took legal action and was proved right. However, the Automaten-Verband-Saar warns against jumping to conclusions.
The German betting tax provides plenty of material for discussion and is always a key issue for both bettors and bookmakers. The bookies are reluctant to pay it and the players can't stand having it imposed on them by the providers, with their winnings dwindling. A recent ruling by the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) confirms the current legal situation: the tax on sports betting levied by bookmakers without a German licence is compatible with the German constitution and European law.
Sports betting on amateur soccer is prohibited in Germany. Internationally, however, they are offered on a large scale - including for matches in Germany. What is curious is that the topic seems to be uncharted territory for German clubs and even DFB officials. This was revealed in a recent TV documentary by public broadcasters. The report takes a comprehensive look at such betting, in which so-called data scouts play a central role. These information providers for the bookies are now receiving increased attention from the clubs and associations.
A few days ago, the Gambling Authority thanked the public for over 1,500 tips from the public. These have been received by the authority since 1 January 2023. Around half of the cases involved illegal online gambling, which was reported by the public. The gambling authority's anonymous tip-off portal continues to be criticised.
A few days ago, a player at the Grand Casino Lucerne managed to hit the legendary Swiss Jackpot. She won more than 1.64 million francs, which is the equivalent of around 1.75 million euros. But on which slot machine did luck strike and at what amount does the Swiss Jackpot start again?
A few days ago, two armed robbers held up an amusement arcade in North Rhine-Westphalia. A pistol was also used during the robbery. The police are now searching for the fugitives. But how much loot did the robbers make and what punishment can they expect if they are caught?
With the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) of 2021, a lot has changed in the gambling market in Germany: Although online casinos have finally become truly legal throughout Germany, players have to put up with a lot in return. One thing that upsets many: No classic casino games such as roulette or blackjack are available online from private developers, although the GlüStV allows them in principle. This has now come to an end, at least in Schleswig-Holstein. After an approval phase lasting several years, the relevant games were approved for four providers in mid-September 2024.
Almost every second adult in the United States has visited a casino at least once in the past year. This is the result of an analysis by the American Gaming Association (AGA). But what are the reasons for the high popularity of terrestrial gaming centres in the USA?
The German Police Union (GdP) is calling for more specialised investigators to be deployed in the fight against illegal gambling. So far, the situation in many federal states is such that police detectives have to deal with other areas of crime in addition to illegal gambling, meaning that they cannot focus solely on this issue. But do we really need more specialised CID investigators in this area?
A few weeks ago, the two online casinos BingBong and JackpotPiraten announced the introduction of a premium membership. With both providers, gamblers will be able to choose from three different membership options. Players will have to take out a subscription and pay money each month. But what are the practical benefits of premium membership and how much will it cost?
Illegal money changers in Macau will face several years in prison if they are caught. They also face a ban of up to ten years from all casinos in Macau. But how does the business model with the illegal money changers work and why is the government now taking such decisive action against them?
Google operates the largest online advertising network of all. With more than two million connected websites and over 650,000 apps, the potential reach is truly enormous - and therefore also extremely attractive for the international gaming industry. In Germany alone, such companies can reach around 90 per cent of all internet users via the network. This brings both legal and illegal providers onto the scene. However, an update to the rules for gambling advertisements, which will apply from 25 September 2024, is now intended to put a stop to the latter.
The US National Football League (NFL) season causes an immense stir year after year. More than 17 million people watch the games live in the stadiums in the United States alone - not to mention the viewing figures for the television broadcasts. Overall, the NFL is one of the most attention-grabbing professional leagues in the world. The national betting volume is correspondingly huge. In order to get as big a slice of the cake as possible, the local bookies are already competing with pretty special bonus offers at the start of the new season.
It has long been perfectly normal for gambling companies to sponsor football teams or even entire leagues. However, when one of the largest sports betting providers in the world cooperates with the most important international football competition at club level, it does make waves: This is underpinned by the global partnership between bet365 and the Champions League until 2027 announced at the end of August. The British bookie is not only the first ‘betting partner’ of the tournament, the collaboration also begins with a bumper promotion for its customers.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the federal states, GGL for short, was founded to ensure the protection of minors and players and to protect players from gambling addiction. But how well are potentially vulnerable players protected from problematic gambling behaviour in licensed online casinos?
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