Bid process for concession kicks off in February - possibility of Novomatic involvement
Going, Going... Casino Rebid Coming Soon to Wiesbaden!
Get ready for the poker chips to fly and the slots to spin like a whirlwind! As of the end of 2025, the Spielbank Wiesbaden will need a fresh concession to keep those lucky Wheel of Fortune spins happening. The bidding game's about to start in February, and Wiesbaden's gaming scene might never be the same.
Picture this: the majestic Kurhaus of Wiesbaden, steeped in history, is home to one of Germany's top-earning casinos – the Spielbank Wiesbaden. Could the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow soon belong to a new concessionaire?
Get Those Cards on the Table – Bidding Begins in February
By the end of 2025, the current concession for the Spielbank Wiesbaden will be history. But don't worry, the law demands that concessions are re-awarded every 15 years, and by February, European cities will be bidding on the right to rake in the green.
Mayor Christiane Hinninger has declared that Wiesbaden won't be sticking its own money into the game. Instead, the city will launch a bidding process in February – with the goal of wrapping things up by September 2025.
So Who's the Favorite to Take the Pot?
The Stadt Wiesbaden is sitting pretty on a golden throne thanks to the Spielbank's hefty earnings. With the casino continuously ranking as one of Germany's top five moneymakers, you can bet there'll be no shortage of rival suitors.
Since 1991, Wiesbaden GmbH & Co. KG has been the big kahuna, holding the concession for the Spielbank. And according to several insider rumors, the city may just decide to stick with this seasoned player. After all, the Wiesbaden Kurier suggests that the city is likely to renominate the GmbH for the next concession.
But don't count out the competition just yet. According to City Gossip, there are whispers of other parties eager to show the city their winning hand. Let's see who steps up to the table and takes a seat – and remember, every game needs a little bit of luck!
Novomatic – The Wild Card to Watch
The Austrian gambling juggernaut Novomatic could very well be shuffling up for a chance to bolster its hand. Rumors have been circulating since last year that Novomatic might be primed to enter the Spielbank arena.
For years, the GmbH has reigned as the concession holder for the Spielbank. The majority shareholder of the GmbH? The Jahr + Achterfeld-Beteiligungsgesellschaft. Novomatic snagged a third of the GmbH's shares last year, meaning the gambling monolith might just be playing a long game. Will the Jahr + Achterfeld-Beteiligungsgesellschaft cash out and let Novomatic buy its way in? Stay tuned to find out!
Propping Up Wiesbaden – Casino's Role in the Local Economy
The city of Wiesbaden has a vested economic interest in the continuation of the Spielbank – and for good reason. The state of Hesse and the municipality separately profit from the casino. The Wiesbaden Kurier reports that the city rakes in at least €5 million a year from the Spielbank!
The gaming venue also supports a slew of municipal projects in various sectors, including environmental protection, sports, and culture. In recent years, many projects, awards, and championships have benefited from the cash infusion courtesy of the Spielbank Wiesbaden.
Only time will tell if February's re-awarding of the concession will actually take place, and which contenders will show up to play the game of chance. Get ready, Wiesbaden, because the stakes have never been higher!
- The bidding for the new concession of the Spielbank Wiesbaden is set to commence in February 2025, as the current concession expires by the end of that year.
- The city of Wiesbaden is expected to complete the bidding process by September 2025, with the goal of finding a new concessionaire to operate the casino.
- With the casino consistently ranking among Germany's top earners, other parties are likely to submit bid proposals, aiming to secure the lucrative sports betting and gaming concessions in Wiesbaden.
