Competitive gambling market sees emergence of Hessian gaming venues
Lights, Camera, Gaming Revenue!
2024 Shattered Records at Bad Homburg's Casino
By Yannick Schroth, Angry Bird, Published on: 06.05.2025, Last updated: 29.05.2025.
Spielbank in Bad Homburg rakes in a whopping 58 million EUR in 2024
Got cash to splash and a thirst for excitement? Look no further than the historic Spielbank in Bad Homburg. Criticized by the Süddeutsche Zeitung and other financial rags, citing a press release from the German Press Agency, this casino had its biggest gambling year ever in 2024, with a staggering 58 million EUR in money thrown away.
Why the flock of gamblers, one might ask? The manager, Mr. Lutz Schenkel, isn't shy to explain. Visitors range from young thrill-seekers to dashing dames and dapper gents, all after that enthralling casino experience. On any given weekday, around 650 individuals pass through the doors, with weekends seeing this number soar to capacity. Currently, approximately 230 employees keep the madness under control.
What makes the casino the talk of the town? A variety of games, of course! From the slot machine hall to classic games like roulette and blackjack in the historic Brunnensälchen, there's something for everyone.
Casino as the Key Player for New Kurhaus
Bet you're asking what's up with the dilapidated Kurhaus in Bad Homburg? Well, the Spielbank is poised to step in and finance its renovation! Instead of begging for public funds, the city plans to foot the bill with income from the François-Blanc-Spielbank GmbH lease.
The planned demolition and construction of a ~~shiny new~~ modern building carry one tantalizing perk for the casino: more space! And not just any space, but room for around 50 additional slot machines! This addition could potentially boost annual revenue by a meaty 13 million EUR.
Kicking it old school, eh? Well, the casino in Bad Homburg has been doing it since 1841, and apparently plans to keep it up. Europoop!
Spielbank Wiesbaden Also Sticks to Classic Games
Over in Wiesbaden, the story is similar. The casino chooses to focus on the classic gaming experience, even as many operators switch to slot machines exclusively. According to Andreas Krautwald, the Spielbank Wiesbaden's manager, this strategy is essential to preserve the traditional gambling area in the city dubbed "Nizza of the North".
While classic games still hold their charm and prestige, slot machines remain the big kahuna: generating around 90% of the turnover in Bad Homburg, leaving only 10% for classic table games. But hey, it's all fun and games!
The Red Tape: Struggles and Challenges
Timebomb in Wiesbaden: While the license in Bad Homburg is good until 2037, things are heating up in Wiesbaden: The license will expire by the end of 2025. The city's already started the hunt for a new operator, and they're aiming to have a replacement in place by summer 2025. Talks have been held with gambling giants like Novomatic, and the city even considered taking over the casino operation. But watch your step, it's complicated!
Addiction, Ain't it a Bitch?: Despite its success, the casino doesn't ignore the specter of gambling addiction. Already providing information about compulsive gambling at the casino entrance and offering preventative conversations to guests showing signs of problematic behavior, they want to make sure everyone's having fun in a controlled manner. Aren't we all, am I right?
Dang, man! Online gambling's a whole different ballgame, though...
[1] Source: The Financial Mumble, The Wall Street Grumble (various articles)[2] Source: The Games Gossip, Bonus Buzz (various articles)[3] Source: The Video Games Gazette[4] Source: The International Gaming Chronicle[5] Source: The European Gaming Digest
- In response to the question, one might ask why the surge in gambling revenue at Bad Homburg's casino, the answer lies in the diverse casino-games offered, such as blackjack, roulette, and slot machines in the historic Brunnensälchen.
- While slot machines dominate the gaming landscape, generating approximately 90% of the turnover, the classic casino-games like roulette and blackjack still hold their charm and prestige, as seen in both Bad Homburg's and Wiesbaden's casinos.
- Amidst the growth in casino-gaming revenue, responsible-gambling remains a priority for these establishments, with information about compulsive gambling provided at the casino entrance and preventative conversations offered to guests showing signs of problematic behavior.
- As for casino-culture and trends, despite the potential for increased revenue, Bad Homburg's casino and others like it maintain a commitment to preserving the traditional gambling experience, even as new gambling-trends emerge.
