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Fate of the arcade: Why Star has to go now!
Borkener Damm is influenced by new regulations for the location of arcades: minimum distances and current legal challenges.
Fate of the arcade: Why Star has to go now!
There is currently a lot of excitement around the topic of gambling in Cologne, especially with regard to the arcade landscape. As the AZ online reported, operators must reapply for their licenses according to the new regulations of the State Treaty on Gambling. This regulation came into force on July 1, 2021 and brings with it some crucial changes that are of significant importance to players and operators.
There is now potential for conflict at a tranquil location on Borkener Damm: casinos located close to each other may not be allowed to have more than two arcades next to each other, as a minimum distance of 350 meters as the crow flies must be maintained. There is currently only one house between the two systems, which poses challenges for the operators' business models.
New regulations and requirements
According to the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling, which clearly outlines the guidelines for gambling providers in Germany, all arcades must have the same minimum sizes and offerings and meet certain requirements. Surprisingly, however, the criteria for selecting an arcade have not been made transparent. The responsible Tegeler emphasizes that there is no arcade that has been closed, just one that has not received a new permit. This can be attributed to the lack of the specific requirements that would allow an exception to the distance rules in certain cases.
The GlüStV 2021 introduced various measures to improve gambling regulation. This not only includes protecting players from fraud, but also combating gambling addiction and better monitoring by the newly founded joint gaming authority of the states. This centralized organization aims to create a regulated offering that counteracts illegal gambling.
The role of social aspects
Another interesting point that emerges from the reporting is the assumptions about the possible social aspects that play a role in the decision to award a concession. Despite the lack of an official slogan, these factors seem to have been decisive, so that the selection of an arcade was not purely objective.
In summary, it can be said that gambling regulation in Germany is changing and operators must adapt to the new framework conditions. The local gaming authority has the task of monitoring these processes and ensuring that the framework conditions are fair and transparent for all providers. The situation remains exciting and the operators are now waiting for clarification from the responsible courts, although in Tegeler's opinion the decision dates are uncertain.
If you would like to find out more about the exact legal-historical background, you can see the detailed information below VDAI or in the guidelines of the Joint Gaming Authority read up. A dynamic field that will continue to change in the future!