The Merkur Casino in the Westphalian spa town of Bad Oeynhausen will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on 26 September 2024 at the ‘Magics’ entertainment centre in Werre Park. The organisers are promising a major ‘red carpet event’ with special prizes, which will even feature stars from the national media landscape. Sylvie Meis and other well-known faces have been announced. The festivities are to last several days. A world star even attended the opening of the original house in 1980.
Since the new Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) came into force, gambling in Germany has been meticulously regulated both online and offline. The state not only stipulates possible losses and winnings, but also sets guidelines regarding playing time and the range of games on offer. The result: many gambling fans are turning their backs on the legal offer and playing on the black market instead.
According to German legislation, gambling is not normally allowed to be made accessible to children and young people. However, before the school holidays, a grammar school in Essen ensured that Year 9 pupils were able to engage intensively with such online offers. The reason for this was (of course) an educational project.
The operator of the Monte-Carlo casino and luxury cruise operator Crystal are planning to open a Casino de Monte-Carlo on the high seas. Until now, the company behind the Monte Carlo casino, Monte-Carlo Societé des Bains de Mer (SBM), has operated almost exclusively in the Principality of Monaco. But what exactly can water-loving gambling fans look forward to in the future?
A few days ago, an illegal casino was uncovered in the Kamen region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Police officers intervened in the middle of the night following a tip-off and encountered a large number of gamblers. Apparently large sums were being wagered. Cash in the six-figure range was confiscated.
A few weeks ago, CDU MP Gitta Connemann asked the German government an interesting question regarding gaming machines in Germany. Specifically, the politician, who was born in Leer/Ostfriesland, wanted to know how the number of legally and illegally operated gaming machines has developed since 2012. The federal government's answer to this seemingly simple question was surprising.
At the beginning of March, 19 house searches were carried out in Austria and Greece as part of Operation Ikarus. The operation focussed on the illegal gambling scene. The raid was the result of an investigation lasting several months. Among other things, tax evasion totalling tens of millions of euros is being investigated.
A few weeks ago, various media reported on a major raid against illegal gambling in Kiel. In fact, a considerable number of unregulated machines were seized in the harbour city. The criticism of the German regulatory system voiced by the industry and addiction counsellors in this context is at least as interesting and relevant.
Spielbank Bad Wiessee am Tegernsee generated gross gaming revenue of almost 38 million euros last year. Compared to 2022, this represents an increase of over 13 per cent. But why is it that the casino on the idyllic Tegernsee, which is located around 50 kilometres south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps, was able to achieve such an impressive result?
It is estimated that there are up to 50,000 illegal gaming machines in Germany. Not all of them have a criminal background, but they are certainly detrimental to the prevention of addiction and do not help the reputation of the industry. The city of Herne no longer wants to accept this situation on its territory. To underline its decision, the city destroyed a large number of unauthorised devices in a highly publicised campaign. This has caused quite a stir in the political arena.
The arcade, a place of vice, associated with the dangers of addiction or even illegal activities: This - admittedly exaggerated - view is held by many Germans. The German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), together with the German gaming machine industry, now wants to do more to remove the "stigma" from these establishments. What exactly does that mean?
The Gauselmann Group has won the tender for the casino licence issued by the state of Lower Saxony. This means that the family-owned company from East Westphalia will take over the ten casinos and slot machine casinos in Lower Saxony from September 2024. The casinos are currently still operated by Spielbanken Niedersachsen GmbH. In addition, a further Gauselmann casino is to be built in neighbouring North Rhine-Westphalia.
The skills shortage is a critical issue in all sectors of the economy. The gaming industry is no exception. Experts can often only be recruited through extraordinary recruitment campaigns. Casino Stuttgart recently even went to the university.
Things aren't easy for arcade operators in Germany: minimum distances, the energy crisis and other regulations are creating a difficult business situation that ultimately affects the players. The state of Saarland has now introduced updated and stricter regulations in the form of a new arcades law. The ruling party openly states that the regulations are intended to reduce the gambling offering in the state.
The gaming company Merkur, or the Gauselmann Group and its associated companies, are well known for their extensive sponsorship activities. The brand is now also active in women's basketball through its partner Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt. Bundesliga team GISA LIONS MBC from Halle can look forward to support for the current season.
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