Casinos in Hesse: Surviving and Thriving in the Gaming Market
Hessian Casinos Maintain Competitiveness in the Gaming Sector - Gambling establishments in Hessen maintain steady competition within the gaming industry market
Stepping into the Spielbank in Bad Homburg midweek feels like a breath of fresh air. Men and women of all ages lounge around, sipping coffee, engaging in light chatter with fellow players, or exchanging pleasantries with staff. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, with the glowing screens of slot machines casting an ever-changing spectacle.
Just a stone's throw away, the Roulette and Poker tables stand ready, polished and pristine, waiting for the first wave of the evening crowd to arrive. At this moment, they're a quiet oasis, the last remnants of the day's preparations. Only a single Poker table is occupied, where trainees are honing their skills, learning the intricacies of card handling. Alongside Bad Homburg and Kassel, Wiesbaden is the only Hessian city with a casino - its operation governed by state law.
Uncommon Ownership: The City's Own Casino
While most casinos across Germany are operated under concessions, Bad Homburg's is one of the rare exceptions. Owned by the city itself, the casino is run by the Francois-Blanc Spielbank GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kur- und Kongreß-GmbH. Lutz Schenkel, the casino's managing director, beams with pride.
"We're doing great here," he says, citing a record breaker of 58 million euros in gross player revenue in 2024, drawn from a diverse demographic that includes many young visitors who enjoy an evening of entertainment.
A Larger Share of the Pursestrings Goes to Slots
The majority of the casino's revenue - close to 90% - comes from slot machine gaming, with traditional table games accounting for only a small fraction of earnings. Schenkel explains that while table games are both labor- and skill-intensive, "the real money is in the slots." In sum, over 230 employees keep the casino running smoothly day and night.
"You can't just set up tables and suddenly expect people to show up," says Kurdirektor Holger Reuter, pointing to the historical identity and reputation that set Bad Homburg apart. Founded in 1841 by François Blanc, the casino has roots dating back to one of Europe's oldest gambling establishments.
Addressing Gambling Addiction
At the entrance, brochures warn of the dangers of uncontrolled gambling. Schenkel reports that some players do seek help, often requesting a temporary ban from the casino. He emphasizes that the employees keep a watchful eye on patrons, willing to intervene when needed. Notable steps are taken to prevent gambling addiction, he says.
Gaming Skills and Human Interaction
To work at the casino, employees need more than just a solid understanding of numbers. Schenkel explains that navigating the nuances of human interaction is just as crucial to providing a positive experience for guests. "Croupier is not a learned profession - it's a learned skill," he says, having started his career as a dealer in a casino himself. He encourages young trainees to experience the games from the player's perspective.
As the city of Wiesbaden prepares to tender its gambling concession, Bad Homburg Casino stands as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional gaming combined with modern innovation. The industry in Hesse, despite facing challenges from shifts in regulations and rising competition, continues to captivate visitors and provide a vibrant hub of entertainment and leisure.
- The Commission has also been informed of the progress of the city's own casino's proposals in the field of casino-culture and casino-games, especially in the case of Bad Homburg.
- Unlike most casino-and-gambling establishments in Germany, the Spielbank in Bad Homburg is owned by the city itself, contributing to its unique casino-culture.
- The casino's revenue is primarily generated from automatenspiel, accounting for nearly 90% of earnings, while traditional table games occupy only a small fraction of the earnings.
- Addressing gambling addiction is a priority for the casino, and employees are trained to navigate the nuances of human interaction to ensure a positive stimmung for guests, emphasizing that croupier is a learned skill rather than a profession.
