The Social Democratic Party plans to construct a casino in Düsseldorf.
As Cologne is no longer available as a location for a casino, the SPD group in the NRW state parliament has suggested constructing a casino in Düsseldorf. This would be an ideal alternative to generate revenue and enhance player protection, particularly in light of the upcoming reduction in gaming arcades. Here's an overview of the situation.
Casino in government castle?
On Tuesday (10.09), the NRW state government passed a new casino law, retaining the four existing casino locations in Dortmund, Duisburg, Bad Oeyenhausen, and Aachen, while eliminating a planned location in Cologne. However, the number of land-based casinos will increase to a total of six.
SPD member of state parliament Markus Weske sees monetary opportunities for Düsseldorf and has proposed the district government's castle at Cecilienallee 2 as a location for a casino. This historical building, which houses the NRW state parliament government and was once a residence for the district president, is currently used for company presentations and receptions. Weske estimates that a casino there could generate up to 10 million euros per year for the state capital. Additionally, it could be utilized for working on player protection. According to Weske, the likelihood of this happening is "better than ever." The following quote is also mentioned:
"The district government's little castle on Cecilienallee is the perfect place for a casino. Since the district president plans to consolidate her employees from the various branches at one location on the former technical college site in Golzheim, there are no obstacles to a casino in the prestigious presidential palace and the plenary hall."
Weske's proposition has the support of the CDU parliamentary group. A joint statement by the four Düsseldorf state parliament members Olaf Lehne, Marco Schmitz, Peter Preuß, and Angela Erwin reads:
"As the state capital, Düsseldorf is an ideal location for another casino. The city is well connected by long-distance and local transportation. It has a lively cultural scene and, with its numerous hotels, offers good overnight accommodations for visitors to a casino. A casino would elevate the cultural profile of our city and increase its economic power."
Criticism of Cologne city council
Weske also commented on the planning issues for a casino in Cologne. The location will not be considered by the Düsseldorf state government anymore. Weske pointed out that Cologne was given a five-year planning period to find an appropriate location for the approved casino but has made no progress. Hence, the state government has now decided to abandon the location in the revised law.
In reality, the Cologne City Council canceled the selected casino site at Ottoplatz next to Cologne-Deutz train station, despite plans for construction there for years. The Black-Greens had pushed for its cancellation. A building at Cologne Airport was suggested as a substitute. The expenses of the project were permanently higher than the city council's budget plans, causing the project to stagnate. Originally, the casino was to be built in partnership with the Westspiel company.
Focus on player protection
A casino would not only bring higher revenues to the city of Düsseldorf, but would also improve player protection, according to Weske. In this sense, the construction of a land-based casino is a "key component of the State Treaty on Gambling for player protection." Weske refers to Duisburg, a Ruhr area city where approximately 5 million euros are generated annually from safe gambling transactions. The earnings from conventional gaming machines are continually rising. With the new laws driving numerous arcades in Düsseldorf to close, annual revenues of 10 million euros are anticipated.
Reduction in amusement arcades
It is no secret that hundreds of arcades face closure due to the new State Treaty on Gambling. The main reason for this is a new minimum distance rule of 350 meters between establishments; the rule also applies in relation to children's and youth facilities and schools. In Düsseldorf, where there are currently around 100 arcades at 65 locations, the number must be restricted to 34 arcades. The closures will be carried out by July 1, 2021.
The strict regulatory measures are controversial: last July, Merkur owner and primary sponsor of the sports city, Paul Gauselmann, harshly criticized the reduction in arcades in Düsseldorf. According to the gambling billionaire, the city's plan would represent "total failure." Gauselmann is also likely to be displeased with Weske's proposal for a city-owned casino. The next steps are still unknown.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
