Rockin' the Casino Scene: Bad Homburg and Wiesbaden Score Big in 2024
Competitive gambling venues in Hessia vying for market dominance
By Yannick Schroth, Edited by Angela Burke, Published on: 06.05.2025, Updated on: 08.05.2025.
- Casino Bad Homburg Sets Record with 58 Million EUR Gross Gaming Revenue in 2024
- Slot Machines Rule the Roost; Classic Games Hold a Slice of the Pie
- Casino Wiesbaden Reaffirms Focus on Classic Gaming
- A Modern Spa House on the Horizon for Bad Homburg Casino
Casino Bad Homburg: The Year of the Jackpot
The timeless Casino in Bad Homburg smashed records in 2024, hitting an unprecedented gross gaming revenue of 58 million EUR, as reported by the renowned Süddeutsche Zeitung, citing a press release from the German Press Agency.
According to casino manager, Lutz Schenkel, the attraction of the casino reaches far and wide, appealing to patrons across various age groups. The allure of casino life is so compelling that even the younger crowd can't resist dressing up and diving into the Vegas-style adventure. On an average weekday, roughly 650 individuals flock to the casino, with that number swelling on weekends, sometimes reaching the brim. Currently, about 230 employees are on hand to welcome the throng of visitors.
The variety of offerings at the casino, which encompasses a slot machine hall and classic games like roulette and blackjack in the historic Brunnensälchen, is what drives the high demand.
Classic Games Take a Backseat to Slot Machines with a Twist
With modernization on the horizon, Bad Homburg Casino is set to leave its mark on a dilapidated spa house. Unlike traditional funding methods, the city plans to bankroll the project almost entirely from the rental income of the François-Blanc Casino GmbH.
The plan is to level the existing spa house from the 1980s, which is deemed obsolete in terms of construction and safety. In its stead, the casino will enjoy significantly more space, including room for around 50 additional slot machines. This expansion is predicted to boost annual revenue by a whopping 13 million EUR.
Interestingly, even in the 19th century, the casino played a significant role in financing the spa house. Now, the cycle comes full circle as the casino prepares to return to a more up-to-date spa house.
Casino Wiesbaden: Heading Back to the Past, Embracing the Future
According to Andreas Krautwald, manager of the Casino Wiesbaden, the established games are at the heart of the strategic decision to preserve the traditional casino area in the city known as the 'Nizza of the North'. While many German casinos have gone all-in on slot machines, Casino Wiesbaden, like Casino Bad Homburg, remains steadfast in offering the classic gaming experience.
The goal is to preserve the traditional casino area while incorporating modern technology to stay competitive in an ever-evolving gaming market. Although classic gaming stays relevant and maintains its allure, slot machines undeniably reign supreme at least in Bad Homburg—accounting for approximately 90% of revenue. Only 10% of the revenue comes from classic table games.
For Director Holger Reuter, the Casino Bad Homburg, established by businessman François Blanc in 1841, is essential for the city's image and economic development**:
Despite its triumphs, the casino remains mindful of the issue of gambling addiction. Informational brochures on problematic gambling behavior are already available at the entrance of the Bad Homburg casino, and there are preventive conversation offers for guests who exhibit signs of addictive behavior. Some patrons even opt for voluntary self-exclusion.
Employees at Casino Bad Homburg have a keen eye for potential at-risk players, thanks to the personal ambiance that permeates the establishment. Remarkably, croupiers in the classic game section don't undergo formal training but receive internal coaching, including playing themselves to get a feel for the guests, as explained by Schenkel.
Schenkel opines that online offers are riskier in this regard, as anonymity makes early intervention more challenging.
Wiesbaden's Casino: Time's Up for the License
While the license in Bad Homburg holds until 2037, the situation in Wiesbaden is pressing: The license is set to expire at the end of 2025. In response, the city administration has initiated the process for re-tendering, anticipating completion by summer 2025 for a smooth transition.
Recently, renowned gambling giant Novomatic has been in talks to take over the current majority shareholder, Jahr + Achterfeld Gesellschaft, may possibly inherit the casino. The city has also considered managing the casino itself but faces limitations such as high startup capital and a lack of expertise.
In the heart of Germany, the Casino in Bad Homburg, a long-standing beacon of casino-and-gambling, broke records in 2024 with a staggering gross gaming revenue of 58 million EUR, solidifying its position in the casino-culture.The popularity of this online casinos Germany extends beyond its historical appeal, captivating a diverse audience and generating revenue from both slot machines and classic games like roulette and blackjack.As Casino Wiesbaden navigates gambling-trends, it chooses to preserve its traditional casino area while integrating modern technology, mirroring the strategic approach of casino personalities who understand the importance of staying relevant in an evolving casino-games market.
