Recommendation adopted for safeguarding workforce against threats from ionizing radiation exposure.
The German gambling landscape is currently embroiled in a heated debate, centering around a proposed ban on gaming machines in catering establishments. The Green Party advocates for this ban as a measure to combat gambling addiction and protect public health, while the German Gaming Industry Association (DAW) strongly opposes it.
The Green Party's stance is rooted in consumer protection and addiction prevention. They argue for stricter regulations to reduce exposure to gambling opportunities in everyday environments, such as bars and restaurants. On the other hand, the DAW emphasizes economic and industry viability, advocating for preserving regulated gaming machine operations in these venues to sustain the sector and avoid unintended consequences like illicit gambling growth.
The State Gambling Treaty, valid until 2028, is scheduled for its first evaluation in 2026. Georg Stecker, a spokesperson for the DAW, has criticized a position paper by the Green Party, finding their proposed ban on gaming machines in catering establishments misguided. Stecker agrees with some of the ideas in the Green position paper, particularly their focus on combating illegal gambling, but warns against the ban, fearing it would benefit the black market.
The Joint Gambling Authority of the States has allocated funds for gambling research due to an increased need, as the market faces tight controls, including a 5.3% tax on stakes. These fiscal and regulatory pressures form the backdrop to the ongoing debates about the balance between public health concerns and maintaining a viable regulated gambling industry.
The DAW, in a press release, welcomed the Green Party's efforts to combat illegal gambling but emphasized the need for legal catering and gaming halls to fulfill the channeling mandate from the State Treaty on Gaming. The Working Group against Gambling Addiction e.V. has found that even the restriction to a maximum of two gaming machines in catering establishments a few years ago pushed significant portions of players into the black market.
The outcome of a court case regarding illegal sports betting providers could potentially end up at the European Court of Justice. Boris Rhein, Hesse's Minister President, emphasized the need for close cooperation between different interest groups to further develop the State Gambling Treaty. The Greens propose several amendments to the State Treaty on Gaming, including stricter guidelines for gambling advertising, no exceptions to the 1,000 euro limit for high rollers, expansion of the OASIS system, classification of loot boxes in video games as gambling, tightening and standardizing distance regulations for gaming halls, strengthening municipalities and authorities to monitor the black market, and other measures.
The Greens also propose that the evaluation regulated in ยง 32 GluStV every five years should occur in shorter intervals due to market developments. There is debate over whether illegal gambling will continue to be considered a criminal offense in the future. The amendments proposed by the Green Party, if implemented, could significantly reshape Germany's gambling industry, striking a balance between consumer protection and industry viability.
What are the Green Party's proposed amendments for the State Gambling Treaty to address gambling concerns in Germany? The amendments include stricter guidelines for advertising, no exceptions for high rollers, expanding the OASIS system, classifying loot boxes in video games as gambling, tightening and standardizing distance regulations for gaming halls, strengthening municipalities and authorities to monitor the black market, and other measures. They also suggest that the evaluation required by ยง 32 GluStV every five years should happen more frequently due to market developments.
