Berlin's arcade count dwindles, now only 120 remain.
In Berlin, a series of regulatory measures have been implemented to address concerns related to gambling addiction and consumer protection. These measures, in line with broader German laws, aim to balance the economic benefits of gambling with public health and safety concerns.
One of the key changes concerns physical gaming halls and betting shops. Stricter controls have been introduced, resulting in a planned decrease in the number of gaming halls from 496 to 120 over the next four years, with 376 establishments set to close. This reduction is part of an effort to limit easy access to gambling, particularly in sensitive areas or neighbourhoods.
Gaming halls must also adhere to strict operational requirements, including a mandatory closure period between 3 and 11 am. Furthermore, they must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from upper secondary schools and youth facilities, 500 meters from other gaming halls, and 2,000 meters from gaming halls of the same operator.
The Berlin Gaming Hall Act, the strictest in Germany, is designed to combat gambling addiction. Meanwhile, stricter licensing requirements have been imposed on betting shops, limiting the number of establishments in close proximity.
Another significant aspect of the regulatory changes is the restriction on advertising, especially online. The aim is to prevent aggressive promotion of gambling, protect minors, and ensure that advertisements do not target vulnerable groups. This has led to a reduction in the number of advertisements allowed, with only eight machines permitted per gaming hall, down from 12.
The call for stricter enforcement of advertising restrictions has been echoed by the German federal government's drug commissioner, Daniela Ludwig (CSU). However, some in the industry, such as Dirk Quermann, president of the German Online Casino Association (DOCV), have expressed disagreement with the call for a ban on advertising, citing reductions in advertising spend by association members.
The planned regulation of German online gambling is scheduled for July 2021, which will legalise serious online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting. Additionally, a central gambling supervisory authority in Saxony-Anhalt is to be established to monitor compliance with the highest player protection standards in Germany.
These regulatory changes, while significant, did not provide direct information on the details behind the closures of gaming halls or the implementation of stricter regulations in Berlin concerning betting shops and online gambling advertising. For more detailed and current information, it may be necessary to consult local government or regulatory authority websites or official press releases on gambling laws and enforcement in Berlin.
Interestingly, media data from the market research firm Nielsen Company shows a significant increase in advertising spending by online gambling operators. From January to May 2021, the gross advertising spend increased by 58.5% compared to the previous year, with spending observed to have increased particularly on TV, from 103 million euros to 192 million euros compared to the previous year.
What about the impact of these regulatory changes on sports-themed advertising in gaming halls and online platforms?Strict advertising restrictions have led to a reduction in the number of sports-related advertisements, with only eight machines permitted per gaming hall, down from 12, as part of an effort to promote responsible gambling and protect minors.
