Protective measures for vulnerable demographics, especially minors, include rigorous player checks against the national Oasis blocking system. Arcade staff must undergo training to identify problematic behaviors and be proactive in assisting players showing signs of addiction. Prioritizing Social Responsibility in ArcadesĪ cornerstone of the legal arcade framework is the imperative for establishments to uphold the social obligations stipulated in the State Treaty on Gambling.

Alarmingly, the share of illicit gambling within the stationary sector has surged from 4% in 2012 to an estimated 30-46%, according to IW Consult. This number marks a significant decline from the over 80,000 illicit machines identified in the early 2010s.Ī 2023 study by IW Consult, commissioned by the slot machine sector, anticipates a reduction in legally sanctioned slot machines to approximately 180,000 by 2022, down from 264,000 in 2016. The slot machine industry's estimates suggest that Germany currently houses between 40,000 and 50,000 non-commercial slot machines, often termed 'entertainers' or 'fun games'. Recent years, especially following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, have seen escalating pressure on local authorities to address the black market issue. Georg Stecker, spokesperson for the slot machine industry, remarked, 'Our joint document seeks to offer constructive strategies for the regulated operation of gambling within cities and towns.' The initiative is geared towards mitigating detrimental trends, notably the burgeoning black market and potential constraints on urban planning.

The primary objective is to elevate the reputation of arcades and divert potential players from illicit venues. A collaborative discussion document, previously shared with FAZ, highlights this joint effort between the German Association of Cities and Municipalities (DStGB) and the overarching association representing the German slot machine sector. German municipalities are forging partnerships with licensed arcade operators in a bid to diminish the presence of illegal gambling establishments.

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