Germany’s Professional Association of Gastronomy Vending Machines (FGA) is calling for an overhaul of ‘over-regulated’ slot regulations to end player frustration and prevent the growth of the illegal market.
The FGA wants an increase in the maximum number of slot machines allowed in restaurants from two to three machines and a more balanced regulation that ensures the protection of guests but at the same time reduces over-regulation to increase the attractiveness of the devices.
It wants to increase the involvement of restaurateurs in the obligations for the protection of minors and consumers in order to facilitate control as well as an expansion and improvement of the OASIS blocking system and the usability of the database.
FGA President Sabine Dittmers-Meyer said: “The devices are over-regulated, which means that they are often too boring compared to the illegal offer, which significantly reduces their attractiveness. This over-regulation can lead players to opt for the illegal market, where the devices are often less restricted and thus offer more excitement and variety. This makes it more difficult to make the legal offer attractive and to retain the players.”
Current studies and estimates show alarming developments in the field of commercial slot machine gaming in Germany. Excessive regulation and restrictive measures cause frustration and dissatisfaction among players. This frustration drives many into the illegal game, as they often find better offers and fewer restrictions there. The Association of Gastronomy Operators (FGA) is therefore calling for a balance between regulation and player protection in order to keep the legal market attractive and to curb the illegal market in the long term.
Studies show that over 70 per cent of players feel restricted in their enjoyment of gambling by legal restrictions. In addition, about 44 per cent are already considering visiting illegal gambling venues. The range of legal gaming machines in the catering industry is particularly affected. Unauthorized gambling machines in illegal locations continue to put economic pressure on many catering establishments, especially in rural areas. The reduction of the maximum permitted number of slot machines per establishment from three to two has further encouraged the spread of illegal offers.
Another problem is the frustration of gamblers with the legal offer. The illegal market for slot games is growing steadily, while control is becoming more and more difficult. The goal of strengthening the legal offer through suitable measures threatens to fail in commercial slot machine gambling. The black market quota is currently around 30 per cent, with at least half of the turnover being generated illegally. This leads to tax losses of at least 500 million euros per year.
The slot machine industry has been supporting these measures for years by training government employees throughout Germany and is committed to stronger prosecution of illegal gambling. The aim is to secure the legal supply and to curb the illegal market in the long term.
The Fachverband Gastronomie-Aufstellunternehmer e.V. (FGA) represents the interests of gastronomy operators throughout Germany. Around 50,000 commercial slot machines are set up in gastronomic establishments. The FGA supports catering companies in their operations, compliance with legal regulations and represents their political interests. He is also the contact person for decision-makers from politics and administration.
The post FGA calls for measures to strengthen the legal offer of slots in Germany’s resturants appeared first on G3 Newswire.
Germany’s Professional Association of Gastronomy Vending Machines (FGA) is calling for an overhaul of ‘over-regulated’ slot regulations to end player frustration and prevent the growth of the illegal market. The FGA wants an increase in the maximum number of slot machines allowed in restaurants from two to three machines and a more balanced regulation that…
The post FGA calls for measures to strengthen the legal offer of slots in Germany’s resturants appeared first on G3 Newswire.