Investigating Allegations of Potential Illegitimate Manipulations in Casinos Austria's Gaming Machines
In a recent development, Casinos Austria, the semi-state gambling company in Austria, is under investigation for allegations that it has manipulated the payout rates of its slot machines to maximize profits. The accusations come from Spielerhilfe.at, an Austrian gambling help organisation.
According to Spielerhilfe.at, the payout statistics analysed since October show a pattern that suggests the payout rates at Casinos Austria may be manipulated. The organisation claims that this pattern allows the casino to increase its turnover, as players tend to stay in the casino longer when the payout rates are lower.
The statistics reveal a pattern of low quotas at the beginning of the month despite high gaming volume, and sharp rises towards the end of the month despite low gaming volume. However, it is important to note that no direct evidence of manipulation has been presented, and the claim cannot be confirmed or denied at this time.
Christoph Holubar, spokesperson for Spielerhilfe.at, has emphasised that the legal requirements are far from high enough to speak of a protective level. Casinos Austria, on the other hand, states that its slot machines and operating systems are certified by independent testing agencies and comply with legal requirements.
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 crisis on Casinos Austria are still difficult to predict. Total gaming revenues fell from 87.3 million euros in the first half of 2020 to 52.8 million euros. The supervisory board states that losses without the ReFIT plan, which faced increased criticism in 2020 for helping shareholders receive dividends while cutting 350 jobs and reducing wages, would amount to around 65 million euros by 2021.
The ministry of finance has issued a statement, stating that a change in the payout within the legal limits does not constitute manipulation, according to the Automated Gambling Regulation of the country.
It is crucial to note that there is no record in the search results indicating that Casinos Austria has manipulated slot machine payout rates to maximize profits, nor any mention of allegations by Spielerhilfe.at related to such manipulation. The search results primarily discuss withdrawal delays and customer complaints related to other casinos and general gambling regulation in Europe, with no specific mention of Casinos Austria or Spielerhilfe.at's allegations.
As the investigation continues, it is advisable to consult official statements from Casinos Austria or Spielerhilfe.at directly for updated or more detailed information.
- The controversy surrounding Casinos Austria has sparked discussions in the German online casinos scene, as gaming enthusiasts and experts alike pine for responsible gambling practices.
- In light of the allegations, casino-culture aficionados are questioning the integrity of casino-and-gambling industry trends, even in Germany, demanding transparency and adherence to ethical standards.
- As industry professionals and casino-personalities weigh in on this issue, the spotlight has been cast on the importance of embracing a culture of responsible gambling, placing the well-being of players above profit.
