The German casino market is not having a good time right now, but the business retains its professionalism and the suppliers are doing business there.
The casino industry in Germany, like most of the rest of Europe, has not had an easy time of it lately.
Business has been down and some casinos have closed their doors altogether. However, it’s not all gloom and doom. InterGaming spoke to some of the equipment suppliers involved in the market and it is clear that some business is being done.
“In general, German casinos have experienced a declining market for the last five years,” said Marcel Heutmekers, vice president of international casino sales at GTECH. “Unfortunately, due to the larger economic downturn, some casinos are even struggling to survive.
“For example, in August we witnessed the closing of the Spielbank Schwerin and Spielbank Rostock-Warnemünde casinos. The total number of casinos since 2008 has gone from 78 to 71. Additionally, operating licence renewals, like the Hamburg casinos are currently facing, mean investments in new machines, games and systems are very carefully considered before any funds are committed.
“That said, opportunities remain for the suppliers with the best products and high quality service. GTECH is committed to offering quality products and services to our German customers.”
Thomas Niehenke, COO of Germany’s largest operator and manufacturer, the Gauselmann Group, agreed. “The German casino market has been in decline for several years now. Turnover has dropped by almost 50 per cent in recent years. Several reasons account for this including predominantly the non-smoking regulations and the requirement to show ID upon entry into German casinos - both for live gaming and slots.”
Read the full article in the October issue of InterGaming.
