The Bavarian Organization for Tennis Machine Automatons cautions against the proliferation of illicit wagering and condemns schoolyard favoritism.
The nationwide Event against Gambling Addiction is scheduled for September 25th this year. Prior to this, the Bavarian Automaten-Verband (BAV) has issued a severe warning about the proliferation of unlawful gambling in Germany. President Andy Meindl even perceives a "systematic disadvantage" of the legitimate market.
BAV utilizes Event against Gambling Addiction for its platform
The focus of the Bavarian Office for Gambling Addiction for the Event against Gambling Addiction this year is on the subject of sports betting, as reported in the official press release. Over 70 establishments will be informed about the alleged high addiction potential of sports betting during this event.
However, the BAV seems to want to draw attention to a different issue. It draws attention to the spread of unlawful gambling in Germany, which could also pose significant risks for player protection, as reported in the trade magazine games & business.
Dissatisfaction over criticism of legitimate gambling
BAV President Andy Meindl has expressed dissatisfaction with the harsh criticism directed towards the legal industry, despite his belief that the greater risk comes from unlawful providers:
It's unfair that those who operate lawfully are systematically disadvantaged while unlawful providers grow bolder. We therefore urge politics and the relevant authorities to finally take decisive action against these criminal activities. – Andy Meindl, President of the Bavarian Automaten-Verband, Source: ISA GUIDE
Meindl referred to the expanding black market as a "time bomb ticking for society" and reiterated his confusion as to why the regulated market is intensely monitored while unlawful providers "grow bolder".
Successful raids distort the picture
Across Germany, law enforcement and authorities regularly conduct raids against unlawful gambling operators. Often, unauthorized slot machines and cash are confiscated. The success rate seems high, but this could also be due to a high dark figure of illegally installed gaming devices.
According to the Police Trade Union (GdP), there is a lack of specialized investigators to curb the growing illegal sector. Moreover, the penalties are not sufficient deterrents.
At least on the internet, a significant portion of the black market could be reduced in the future, as the Bavarian State Lotteryhas brought table games (e.g., roulette) onto the internet and thus filled a gap previously occupied by the black market. Another federal state, Schleswig-Holstein, has also followed suit and even granted licenses to private providers.
Specification pending
The BAV has pointed out that the amusement machine industry is regulated as strictly as few other sectors, which on the one hand benefits player protection, but on the other hand "systematically disadvantages" the operators in terms of profitability. Therefore, the association is calling for "decisive action" from law enforcement and authorities to support the legitimate industry.
Concrete measures on how this project could be implemented and where exactly there are deficiencies, the BAV does not seem to want to make public.
The trade magazine games & business also highlights the BAV's concern about the rise of unlawful gambling, which could potentially pose threats to player protection.
In response to the criticism towards the legitimate industry, Andy Meindl, the President of the BAV, reiterates his concern about the systematic disadvantage of lawful operators due to the growing boldness of unlawful providers.
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