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On April 17, 2024, the yearly gathering of the Automaten-Verband Rheinland-Pfalz (AVRP) took place at the NH Hotel in Bingen. The event centered around the rise in unlawful betting, fiscal matters, and managing cannabis use in gaming facilities.
New Gaming Regulations in 2028
Georg Stecker, representative for the German Automated Vending Association (DAW), commended the success of the AVRP's political interaction, as per the trade magazine AutomatenMarkt.
According to Michael Thiery, AVRP chairman, fresh gaming regulations in Rhineland-Palatinate will not be implemented until 2028. The extended preparation period is due to dialogues with politics, which Stecker acknowledged.
Though the new regulations won't be enforced for a few years, local modifications are possible, Thiery emphasized. He thus advised AVRP members to initiate dialogues with legislators promptly, as proactive communication can thwart potentially harmful tax hikes, similar to those encountered in Speyer.
Rise in Illegal Betting
Unlawful gambling was a principal theme, as reported by games & business, citing police data.
Illegal gambling in Rhineland-Palatinate saw almost a threefold increase in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating a 600% surge if considered between 2020 and 2023. The DAW had foreseen this trend years prior.
Ludwigshafen faces the most serious challenges, as the unregulated "café casinos" thrive there, disrespecting both youth and player protection norms.
Cannabis Consumption Recommendations
Despite Germany legalizing cannabis on April 1, 2024, Michael Thiery offered clear guidance on managing cannabis consumption in gaming halls:
Prohibit consumption at your premises using your property rights. It has no place in gaming halls. – Michael Thiery, AVRP chairman, source: AutomatenMarkt**
Entrepreneurs were urged to comply with as many regulations and laws as possible to bolster their political negotiating clout. The distinction from the black market is vital.
Parliamentary Gathering in Mainz
Many AVRP annual meeting attendees were also present at the parliamentary assembly in Mainz, co-invited by the DAW and AVRP.
Illegal betting offers were once more under discussion, and Rhineland-Palatinate's parliamentary vice-president Kathrin Anklam-Trapp (SPD) advocated for "open dialogue" to produce a "solid legal framework".
Thiery also highlighted the increasing financial pressure on gambling offer operators. He also echoed the need for dialogue, as he believes many operators might otherwise leave the industry, leading to a further shift towards the black market.
Issues Persist Elsewhere
Rhineland-Palatinate is not the only region grappling with the expanding black market in the automated vending sector. The DAW now estimates that as many as 50,000 unauthorized gaming machines are operational in Germany.
Arcade operators across the nation unanimously complain of overly stringent regulations, excessive taxes, and labor shortages. It remains to be seen if politicians will yield, as studies suggest that the black market is spiraling out of control.
Despite the focus on unlawful betting and cannabis consumption in gaming facilities, it's important to note that online casinos in Germany also need to adhere to strict regulations. (New Gaming Regulations in 2028)
Given the rise of online gambling, AVRP members should consider engaging in discussions about online casinos in Germany as well, to ensure a balanced and fair approach to gambling regulation in the digital age.
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