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As the German gaming industry gradually resumes operations, companies like the Löwen Group and Gauselmann Group are voicing concerns about the potential rise of illegal gambling offers. With the reopening of gaming halls and casinos still uncertain due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, these companies fear that the planned reduction of legal establishments could lead to a boom in unregulated gambling.
Dr. Daniel Henzgen, a member of the Löwen Group's management, has stated that the gradual restart of production is a sign of optimism. He believes that the current treatment of gaming halls could have disadvantages, as it could potentially lead to a surge in illegal gambling offers. This concern is shared by the Gauselmann Group, which is currently preparing for a possible reopening of the market, with production teams working on the development of new products.
The Löwen Group, along with other industry stakeholders, believes that gaming halls are system-relevant, as their closure could result in job losses for over 4,000 employees. The company is recalling employees from short-time work to restart production as soon as possible, with 50 employees already returning to Bingen, the company's headquarters, to prepare for production.
In an effort to ensure the safety of their employees and customers, the Löwen Group has implemented protective measures more than a month ago. These measures include access restrictions, mask-wearing, minimum distance, and disinfection, all of which comply with the legal requirements prescribing a minimum area of 12 square meters per gaming machine. The Löwen representative, Henzgen, states that gaming halls could easily comply with hygiene requirements.
Despite these efforts, illegal gambling offers remain a significant concern. These unregulated establishments do not pay taxes, earn a substantial amount of money in Germany, and do not create jobs, according to Henzgen. He emphasises that these illegal offers undermine regulated markets, lead to lost tax revenues, and expose players to unregulated, potentially unsafe gambling environments.
The exact timeline for the reopening of gaming halls and casinos is still unclear, with decisions expected from politics in the coming days. As Germany continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the gaming industry awaits guidance on when and how they can safely reopen their doors to the public.
What if the resumption of gaming operations leads to a surge in illegal casino-and-gambling offers, as Dr. Daniel Henzgen of the Löwen Group fears? The Gauselmann Group shares this concern, as they prepare for a potential market reopening, with production teams developing new products to cater to this demand.
