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Arcades are suing the German State Treaty on Gambling

The new German State Treaty on Gaming was necessary so that online gaming could also be offered legally in Germany. As much as the providers of online casinos have been looking forward to it, the contract brings with it many problems. For this reason, several gambling providers have come together to take legal action against some of the rules of the contract.

Venues defend themselves against the minimum distance between the venues

Every medal has two sides, including the State Treaty on Gambling. Although this is the first time that games of chance are allowed in Germany, there is also a downside: the minimum distance that applies between the venues on site. Online casinos don't have to worry about this, but local casinos and gaming venues do. There must be a distance of 500 meters between all gambling venues . In addition, the same distance from schools and other children's facilities must be maintained. The meaning behind this is clear - the children should not come into contact with the gambling establishments. This is to prevent the offspring from starting to gamble right from the start.

For many gambling operators, this means that they have to close branches. Of course, this also affects the employees - not to forget that the state is also losing revenue. In order not to have to experience the negative consequences of the State Treaty on Gambling, numerous providers in Baden-Württemberg have come together and filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit went to the administrative court and was signed by many companies that either had their license revoked or their license was not renewed. With the lawsuit, the gambling providers want to save their company.

In this context, it was published that 21 urgent requests had been submitted . One of these has already been decided. There was no judgment because the application was rejected. Two other providers were more lucky, because they are allowed to keep their operations until the administrative court has made a decision. However, the chances of maintaining the operations are not particularly good.

Other federal states also filed suit

Not only the gambling providers from Baden-Württemberg filed a lawsuit. The administrative court in Karlsruhe also has to deal with applications. A total of 23 applications were submitted to this court - a decision is also pending here. The only official announcement was that urgent requests were rejected.

A case of hardship is usually given as the reason . Thanks to this justification, the gambling operators hope that they can continue to operate their casino or gaming facility. However, the hope of this can be described as very low, even if more casinos are currently open than are allowed according to the gambling contract. However, this is due to the regulatory authorities, which have not yet done anything against the open venues.

If you take a closer look and consider how many casinos and gambling halls have to be closed, you can understand the lawsuits very well. In Baden-Württemberg, 80 percent of all businesses have to close . This affects 8,000 employees who lose their jobs. In order to raise public awareness, the affected companies held a demonstration in June. At this, 800 empty chairs were set up - as a symbol of the jobs that are being lost.

How sensible the minimum distance between the individual venues is is even hotly debated among the experts. While many argue with player safety and reduced competition , others point to the best online casinos. Of course, there is no minimum distance between them. Each player could play at a different casino every day. In this area it must of course be noted that online advertising is not necessarily seen. If you drive past a casino, you inevitably see the advertising. Therefore, a minimum distance to children's and youth facilities was required.

Are there alternatives for the venues on site?

Anyone can understand the protests of the local casinos. After all, these had to remain closed in recent months and have already suffered high losses as a result. Numerous employees have already lost their jobs by closing some branches. Now the gambling halls are finally allowed to reopen, but unfortunately not permanently. In addition, there is the question of which venues must close if the minimum distance is not given. It might be possible for some casinos to merge and open a larger operation together.

It would be possible for at least one provider to merge several of its branches and expand its range. That way some jobs could be preserved. Every gambling provider has to make this decision themselves. Online casinos certainly have it easier at the moment, provided they receive a license for Germany . In this case, they can offer unlimited slots, online poker and sports betting. Roulette and other casino games are strictly prohibited. Online casinos also have the advantage of being able to offer bonuses and promotions. The on-site casinos usually do not do this.