Novomatic, the prominent Austrian gambling entity, aims to penetrate the gambling sector in Wiesbaden.
Gaming Titan Novomatic Eyeing Wiesbaden Casino Control
As per the news in Wiesbadener Kurier, gaming powerhouse Novomatic has put in an application for the majority stake in the Wiesbaden casino before the German Competition Authority. The specific details of this application and the intention of a full takeover are yet undisclosed.
The current lease for the Wiesbaden casino ends in 2025. The primary shareholder currently is Jahr + Achterfeld Gesellschaft, also running Hamburg's casino.
Novomatic is tight-lipped about the prospect of joining the casino scene. Andreas Krautwald, the casino's managing director, too, has not commented on the issue yet.
“We appreciate your patience as we remain silent for legal reasons during this preliminary investigation stage.” Press Office Novomatic, Wiesbadener Kurier
Wiesbaden Casino: A German Gambling Tradition
The construction plans for Wiesbaden casino were set in motion back in 1771, when the local ruler authorized the construction of a gambling venue. It was later moved to the Old Kurhaus in 1810, where it still resides. The building's charm lies in its unique elegance, with six grand columns gracing its main entrance.
This historical venue is surrounded by a vast park filled with trees and a striking fountain. Each year, the Wiesbaden casino attracts approximately 200,000 visitors and enjoys a good reputation within Germany and abroad.
The gamblers are offered a plethora of games in the former wine hall of the Kurhaus, such as roulette, blackjack, and poker.
Wiesbaden City Holds the Power to Renew the Lease
The lease for the Wiesbaden casino expires in 2025 and needs to be renewed legally. The law dictates a shift of the concession to a new concessionaire after 15 years.
The city of Wiesbaden holds the authority to renew the lease from Hesse's state. Hypothetically, the city could even opt for self-management, bypassing a bidding process.
“At this moment, we are investigating possible scenarios for the casino's operation post-2025’s lease expiry.” – Christiane Hinninger, Mayor, Wiesbaden, Wiesbadener Kurier
However, the city administration needs to equip itself with the necessary expertise first. According to a Wiesbadener Kurier report, this is not the case at present. However, the city-run casino of Bad Homburg serves as a promising precedent.
The alternative is a Europe-wide bidding process for the concession. Novomatic, one of the world's largest gaming corporations, is among the suitors. With presence in over 50 countries and operating around 2,100 gaming venues worldwide, Novomatic looks to be a formidable contender.
Novomatic's application for the majority stake in the Wiesbaden casino has sparked interest in the potential of online casinos in Germany, as Novomatic is also known for its extensive online gaming operations.
If Novomatic secures the casino control, it could potentially introduce digital gaming options to the traditional Wiesbaden casino, expanding its reach and attracting a broader audience both locally and internationally.
Read also:
- Leverkusen claims victory in the cup, securing a double triumph.
- Alonso achieves a double victory after consuming a German brew.
- Does the SVolt factory in Saarland face stability issues?
- Furor surrounding Sylt scandal footage